PAC orders police to evict Dr. Benedict Aligebam from official residence

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has directed the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to involve the Ghana Police Service in the eviction of Dr. Benedict Bonaventure Aligebam from an official government residence. The directive comes after Dr. Aligebam, the former Managing Director of a state irrigation company, allegedly refused to vacate the premises following the expiration of his tenure. PAC Chairman James Klutse Avedzi issued the order during a committee session to ensure that the company's current management can utilize the facility and resume normal operations without further interference.

The current Managing Director, Dr. Dominic Anarigide, informed the committee that the continued occupancy of the residence by his predecessor has significantly disrupted the company's administrative functions. Dr. Anarigide noted that despite several prior interventions and formal requests for the property to be surrendered, the situation remained unresolved. This impasse has reportedly created logistical challenges for the current leadership, hampering their ability to execute their duties effectively within the organization.

The dispute over the residence is linked to a controversial decision by the company’s former board to extend Dr. Aligebam's contract beyond its original term. This extension led to a legal battle, but a recent court decision dismissed an injunction application filed by the former Managing Director. With the legal hurdles cleared, the PAC moved to enforce accountability. The committee’s action also addresses broader concerns raised in the Auditor-General's Report, which identified various financial irregularities and management failures within the company during the period under review.

Moving forward, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture is expected to coordinate with law enforcement to ensure the eviction is carried out if the residence is not vacated voluntarily. The PAC emphasized that such measures are necessary to protect state assets and uphold the rule of law within public institutions. This intervention serves as a warning to other public officials regarding the importance of adhering to tenure limits and the proper handover of government properties upon the conclusion of their service.