Geo Anointing Construction Limited has locked the Galilea M/A Primary School in Ga South Municipality for the second time.
The closure is due to unpaid debts for a six-unit classroom block the company built for the school.
This action comes after months of unsuccessful attempts to secure payment from the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund).
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In October, the company first closed the school, prompting GETFund to promise payment within two weeks. However, the contractor, Emmanuel Addo Okai, shared that no payment has been made since then. Speaking to Citi News, Okai expressed frustration, stating, “We made efforts, but they kept calling, today, they would ask for this document.
We would produce it. The next day, they would ask for another document. We keep speaking to them, and there is no sign of us getting our money.”
Okai also warned the Ghana Education Service (GES) not to forcibly reopen the school without settling the debt. He emphasized, “This property does not belong to them. If they come back to it, it means they’ll be occupying it illegally. If we come and they are back in the classroom, we’re going to need to take legal action against them.”
Geo Anointing Construction was awarded the contract in 2017, completing the project in 2018. Since then, the company has faced financial difficulties, including the seizure of two properties used as collateral for bank loans. According to Okai, “In 2019, banks started chasing us for their money because we had secured a facility from them for this project.”
Despite the government's reassurances, the debt remains unpaid. This ongoing issue has not only affected the company but also disrupted education at the Galilea M/A Primary School.
Stakeholders are urging a swift resolution to this impasse. The situation highlights the challenges contractors face when working on government projects and the negative impact on essential services like education.
It is crucial for authorities to honor their financial commitments to prevent further disruptions and safeguard the future of students.
REPORTED: Adom online/ Channel 1 tv/ CitiNews
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