Lawyers for embattled businessman, Alfred Agbesi Woyome have described as unlawful steps taken by the Attorney General to auction his property.
The attempt to auction the properties is part of moves by Marrietta Brew Oppong to retrieve a Ȼ51.2 million paid to Woyome as judgment debt between 2009 and 2010.
Woyome was paid the sum as judgment debt for allegedly rendering services to the state during preparations towards hosting the African Cup of Nations in Ghana in 2008.
In 2014,the Supreme Court ruled that Woyome did not merit the Ȼ51.2 million and ordered him to refund the money.
But the Attorney General’s department after its inability to retrieve the money went back to the apex court for advice. Woyome in his response promised the court he would refund the money by the end of 2015 but was unable to.
In May 2016, the Lands Commission was directed in a letter from the AG’s Department signed by Chief State Attorney, Dorothy Afriyie Ansah to value Woyome’s residential properties at Kpehe in Accra in an attempt to have it auctioned.
A notice was served to Mr. Woyome to give access to the Lands Commission officials to his properties on June 2.
But in a reply, lawyers for the businessman have described the action as a “booby trap.”
The lawyers stated in the letter that the matter is pending in court in a suit in which UT Bank has filed notice of claim pursuant to which the A-G have also filed a notice to dispute.
“It is remarkably curious that rather than ensuring that the pending matter before the court is determined, you have elected to ignore simple rudimentary procedure and in an inordinate haste, proceeding to have the said properties valued on the blind side of UT Bank.”
” It is quite surprising that as the principal legal advisor to the government, you elect to ignore the rule of law – the very foundation upon which the 1992 constitution of the republic of Ghana creates your good office and rather place premium on “booby trap’’, a portion of the letter read.
They continued that they are “unable to agree with your attempt to oust any notice to UT Bank and to the extent, the total disregard for the pending matter in court touching and concerning the subject matter under reference.”
However, after a visit to the said properties, Joy News’ Fred Smith reported he did not notice any extra security at the premises.
“Except that Mr. Woyome’s security and aides in the house won’t allow you in to have a proper view,” Fred indicated.
The building is a two-storey residential structure with a detached house within the walled compound. On the gate is the sidi3 adinkra symbol and an inscription, Jehovah Elohim.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
