ADVERTISEMENT

Smarttys repays bus branding cash

A revelation that the rebranding of 116 new Chinese Huanghai buses cost the country 3.6 million cedis, caused a public outrage. This led to the resignation of the then Transport Minister, Dzifa Attivor.

The branding initially cost GHC3.6 million but upon a review, Smarttys management and production, the company at the centre of saga, was paid to refund GHC1.5 million.

He said “What was used for the re-branding of the metro rapid transport buses have been refunded in full. The petroleum component has been refunded that is, the GHC3.65 million has been paid to the country according to our report,” he said.

Background

ADVERTISEMENT

A revelation that the rebranding of 116 new Chinese Huanghai buses with portraits of President John Mahama and past presidents, cost the country 3.6 million cedis, caused a public scandal.

This led to the resignation of the then Transport Minister Dzifa Attivor. After much pressure from the populace, political parties, and some civil society groups the chief of staff Julius Debrah ordered the Attorney General to probe the matter after which Smarttys was ordered to refund the excess payment made.

A leaked Attorney General’s investigation report implied that the contract with Smarttys concluded before the procurement process started, an action that violated the nation’s procurement laws.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.com.gh

ADVERTISEMENT