Gov't pursues Waterville for €25m despite attempts to block process

Deputy Attorney General, Dominic Ayine, has indicated government's resolve to reclaim €25 million unlawfully paid to Waterville Holdings despite a suit by the construction firm at the International Court of Arbitration to block the process.

The Supreme Court is set to hear an application brought before it by government against the construction firm seeking to reclaim the cash.

The Court in 2014 ordered Waterville Holdings Ltd. to return to the state the money it obtained illegally arising out of claims it brought against the state in 2009.

The Court's order followed arguments before it by former Attorney General Martin Amidu that neither Waterville nor businessman Alfred Agbesie Woyome, who also obtained similar payments, had a valid contract with the state to warrant the payments.

Nine judges in a unanimous decision ruled that the monies paid Waterville in the judgement debt - for rehabilitation work on the Ohene Djan, Elwak and Baba Yara stadia - were illegal and must be refunded.

However, Waterville Holding Ltd has dragged Ghana to the International Court of Arbitration (ICA) seeking to challenge a Supreme Court ruling.

Mr Ayine told Joy News Waterville's suit at the International Court of Arbitration will not deter government's efforts to reclaim the money.

"We intend to pursue the matter irrespective of whatever they are doing at the International Court of Arbitration", he told Joy News.