By Philip Antoh
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has directed the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to involve the police in evicting the former Managing Director of an Upper East Region irrigation company from his official residence if he fails to vacate the property voluntarily.
The directive follows a prolonged dispute over Dr. Benedict Bonaventure Aligebam’s continued occupation of the facility long after his tenure ended.
His refusal to leave has created significant operational challenges for the company, forcing the current Managing Director, Dr. Dominic Anarigide, to reside in Bolgatanga while commuting to work in Navrongo.
Appearing before the Committee, Dr. Anarigide lamented that all previous efforts to resolve the impasse including interventions by the former Chief of Staff and other government officials have proven unsuccessful.
The root of the dispute traces back to a decision by the company’s former board to extend Dr. Aligebam’s contract by two years, which was later revised to just three months.
The disagreement escalated after the former MD was locked out of his office, prompting him to take legal action.
However, records presented to the Committee indicate that the court dismissed an injunction application he filed regarding the matter.
Despite the court’s ruling, Dr. Aligebam has continued to occupy the official residence.
He reportedly maintains that he was unlawfully locked out of his office and is holding onto the property because his personal belongings remain inside.
The issue came before the PAC during its examination of the Auditor-General’s Report on the company, which also highlighted financial irregularities and broader administrative challenges within the organization.
Consequently, the Committee has firmly mandated the Ministry to seek police assistance to ensure the former Managing Director vacates the residence should he refuse to do so on his own.