AMA sues 4 companies…For non-payment of property rates

The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has dragged four companies before the Accra Circuit Court, for owing the Assembly a total of GH¢7,535.44 in property rates, following persistent demands by the assembly's agent.

According to a release, signed by the head of Public Relations, Frank Asante, efforts by the assembly's agent, Non-Performing Assets Recovery and Restructuring Company Limited (NPARRC), to recover the monies owned, prove futile.

However, according to the statement, the case of Cal Merchant Bank was withdrawn, on the grounds that it had settled its indebtedness long before the summons.

The remaining companies are Yellow Cab Limited, Leopold Ewald (Ghana) Limited, Reinsurance House and Las Palmas.

The court ruled that Yellow Cab Limited should pay GH¢2,354.59 as the sum owed. The defendant eventually made a part payment of GH¢500.00, through its lawyer, and is expected to pay the remaining balance by the close of the week.

Leopold Ewald (Ghana) Limited, which owes GH¢1,254.82, failed to appear in court even though it was summoned.

The lawyer, who represented Reinsurance House, produced a receipt in court, as evidence indicating the defendant, its client, had paid all its indebtedness, as a result the case was adjourned to enable verification.

Las Palmas, which owes the assembly GH¢261.05, the least amount, also had its case adjourned to enable the court bailiff serve the company with the writ of summons, because an affidavit of non-service initially served it, mandated it to shun rendering services.

The Assembly is reminding all property ratepayers and debtors, to pay and settle debts to avoid embarrassment.