J.A. Plant Pool (GH) Limited (JAPP) and its Executive Chairman, Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong, have firmly rejected allegations that the company owes the Government of Ghana an amount of US$2 million, stating that they will vigorously contest a lawsuit filed by the Attorney-General in court.
In a detailed press statement issued in Accra, the company described the legal action as unfounded and strongly disputed the claims forming the basis of the suit.
JAPP further expressed concern over what it characterised as premature media reportage surrounding the case, arguing that the publicity created before the company was officially served with court documents had caused “severe and unjustified reputational damage” not only to the company itself but also to its parent group, the Jospong Group of Companies.
According to JAPP, the dispute stems from a major government contract executed under the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP), a national initiative aimed at improving road infrastructure across various districts in Ghana.
The company explained that the contract in question was signed on 12 February 2024 and involved the supply of heavy-duty equipment and machinery valued at approximately US$178,704,739.50.
JAPP maintains that the contract was fully executed in accordance with its terms and conditions. It emphasized that all equipment specified under the agreement was duly supplied, delivered, and received as required.
The company also insists that all financial obligations tied to the contract have been settled in full, leaving no outstanding balances between itself and the Government of Ghana.
In its statement, the company categorically denied any indebtedness to the state. It argued that the claim of a US$2 million debt is inconsistent with the contractual records and the procurement approvals that governed the transaction. JAPP pointed out that the entire procurement process had been duly reviewed and approved by the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) on 10 January 2024, prior to the execution of the contract.
The company further highlighted that both the PPA approval and the final signed contract clearly stated the total value of the agreement as US$178.7 million.
According to JAPP, these documents form part of an official and legally binding framework that governed the transaction, and they reinforce its position that all obligations under the agreement have been properly fulfilled.
JAPP stressed that it remains confident in its legal position and fully prepared to defend itself in court. The company noted that it has already instructed its legal team to respond to the Attorney-General’s suit and seek its dismissal in its entirety.
It maintained that the allegations do not reflect the actual execution and completion of the contract.
Beyond the legal arguments, the company also raised concerns about reputational harm resulting from the public handling of the case. JAPP claimed that the dissemination of information about the lawsuit before formal service of court processes created a misleading narrative that could affect public perception of its operations and integrity. It urged stakeholders and the general public to disregard what it described as negative interpretations arising from early media coverage.
Reaffirming its corporate stance, JAPP emphasised its commitment to transparency, accountability, and compliance with all regulatory and contractual obligations in Ghana.
It stated that the Jospong Group, under the leadership of Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong, continues to operate as a major contributor to national development across multiple sectors, including waste management, logistics, manufacturing, and equipment supply.
The unfolding dispute comes at a time of increased scrutiny of large-scale public procurement contracts in Ghana, particularly those involving infrastructure development and equipment supply under government-led programmes.
Observers note that such cases often draw public attention due to the significant financial commitments involved and their impact on national development priorities.
Dr. Agyepong, a well-known figure in Ghana’s private sector, has built the Jospong Group into a diversified conglomerate with operations spanning several industries.
The company has frequently been involved in public-private partnerships with the government, particularly in environmental sanitation and infrastructure-related services.
While the Attorney-General’s office has initiated legal proceedings, the case is expected to proceed through the courts, where both parties will have the opportunity to present evidence and arguments supporting their respective positions.
For now, JAPP insists that the matter is being mischaracterized and that its records clearly demonstrate full compliance with the contract terms.
Further developments are anticipated as the legal process unfolds and the courts begin to examine the merits of the claims and counterclaims raised by both sides.
