JA Plant Pool overpaid by $2 million under DRIP contract — Ayine

Attorney General Dr Dominic Ayine revealed that the government has demanded a refund of $2 million from JA Plant Pool Ghana Limited following investigations that uncovered financial irregularities in the District Roads Improvement Programme contract.

Speaking at the Government Accountability Series in Accra on Wednesday 22 October 2025 Dr Ayine stated that the overpayment emerged during a forensic review of the $176 million contract awarded to the company.

In the case of DRIP JA Plant was overpaid by $2 million. The contract sum was $176 million. On the face of the contract that is the sum that was stated. When we examined the invoices of payments it was $178 million that was paid. So right away there was a difference of $2 million. So we asked that the $2 million be paid back by JA Plant Pool he disclosed.

Dr Ayine further revealed that the investigation also uncovered tax evasion amounting to GH¢38.7 million after 190 pieces of equipment were imported and cleared under false tax exemption claims.

According to the Attorney General, 190 pieces of equipment were cleared without payment of tax, as if they were tax-exempt. The analysis, based on the HS code, showed that GH¢38.7 million of tax was evaded.

Consequently, a demand has been made for the payment of these two sums. Moreover, the investigation revealed significant over-invoicing of equipment purchased under the programme, with mark-ups ranging from 100 to 300 percent.

For example, a piece of equipment costing $40,000 was invoiced at $84,000, representing a 110% mark-up. A team of investigators is conducting a thorough, item-by-item examination of all equipment supplied under the DRIP contract to establish a solid legal case.

This examination encompasses all equipment supplied to various districts. It is essential to note that, in criminal law, charges must be specific; otherwise, the case will be dismissed.

These findings are part of a broader accountability drive aimed at retrieving misappropriated funds and holding individuals and companies accountable for financial breaches under previous contracts.