In a recent development, the Attorney General (AG) and Minister for Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, has shed light on the case involving African Automobile Limited, which sought over GHc10 trillion in judgement debt. According to the AG, the legitimate claim of African Automobile Limited was in fact GHc28,000, and this amount has been duly paid.
In a press statement released on Friday, March 1, 2024, and signed by Godfred Yeboah Dame, the AG highlighted that the state has avoided significant amounts of actual judgment debt payments, totaling well over GHC10 trillion, from 2021 to date. The statement also outlined six other cases where the state had managed to avoid making judgment debt payments.
Specifically addressing the case of African Automobile Limited versus the Ministry of Employment & Manpower Development and The Attorney-General, the AG provided detailed insights into the matter. The High Court initially granted judgment in favor of the plaintiff on July 31, 2009, and awarded simple interest on the sum claimed. Subsequently, on February 24, 2011, the Court of Appeal awarded interest at the rate of 10% compounded monthly on the sum claimed.
Further developments saw the High Court granting an order for garnishee nisi in the staggering sum of GHC10,331,841,859,411.20 in favor of the plaintiff on April 26, 2021. However, a challenge by the Attorney-General led to the plaintiff revising its claim to GHC3,615,826,184,388.24, which was confirmed by the High Court.
Notably, dissatisfied with these proceedings, the Attorney-General instituted a fresh action against the judgment creditor on June 19, 2023, seeking to set aside the entire judgment against the State under SUIT No. GJ/0956/23.
In light of these developments, it is clear that the AG firmly asserts that the plaintiff’s legitimate claim was only in the sum of GHC28,000, which has already been settled.
This revelation sheds light on the complexities and challenges surrounding judgment debt cases and underscores the importance of thorough scrutiny and due diligence in such matters.
The Attorney General's statement serves as a reminder of the government's commitment to ensuring that judgment debts are accurately assessed and settled in accordance with the law.
As this case continues to unfold, it will be crucial to closely monitor how it impacts the broader legal landscape and its implications for similar cases in the future.
-source starrfm | curated by Aisha Yakubu | Ghana Crimes
