J.A. Plant Pool (Ghana) Limited (JAPP) has denied allegations made by the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dominic Ayine, regarding financial and contractual irregularities under the District Roads Improvement Programme (DRIP).
In a rejoinder issued on Thursday, October 23, 2025, the company described the Attorney-General’s public disclosure as “unfortunate” and “partial,” insisting that it risks damaging the company’s reputation despite years of credible partnership with government.
JAPP said the Attorney-General’s assertion that the company received an excess payment of USD 2 million was “factually incorrect,” explaining that the official contract sum for the supply of 2,420 earth-moving equipment was USD 178,704,739.50, not USD 176 million as stated by the Minister.
“The Public Procurement Authority’s approval document stated the amount of USD 178,704,739.50, which was consistent with the same amount clearly stated in the contract,” JAPP said.
According to the company, the perceived discrepancy arose from a clerical error in the pricing of one line item in the PPA’s approval letter. JAPP added that it promptly notified the approving authorities for correction, stressing that all payments were made through lawful government channels.
“Any perceived excess of USD 2 million did not arise from an overpayment to JAPP, but from a clerical mistake. Government, being a continuum, bears the responsibility to rectify such errors,” the company stated.
Response to Alleged Tax Evasion
JAPP also rejected the Attorney-General’s claim that it had evaded GHS 38.7 million in taxes through false exemption claims on 190 imported equipment. The company clarified that only 99 extra components were imported beyond the contractual quantity, and these were semi-knocked-down parts and service equipment needed for maintenance and after-sales support.
“The additional equipment was imported exclusively to support and maintain the operational efficiency of the DRIP project, and not for JAPP’s commercial gain,” the company explained, adding that all imports were declared to the Ghana Revenue Authority and placed under bonded warehouse arrangements.
No Over-Invoicing
Addressing claims of “over-invoicing” and “mark-ups between 100% and 300%,” JAPP described the allegation as “inaccurate,” insisting that contract prices reflected competitive market values determined through due procurement processes and negotiations.
The company said the USD 178 million project represented “significant value for money,” noting that comparable procurements by government in the past had cost far more.
“The 2,420 DRIP equipment procured under this contract would have cost the government USD 1.3 billion if procured externally. The USD 178 million agreed and paid was therefore very reasonably priced,” the statement read.
Value and Impact of the DRIP Project
JAPP said the District Roads Improvement Programme had delivered “exceptional socio-economic and technical value,” creating over 11,000 direct jobs and training more than 4,000 Ghanaian mechanics.
Other impacts listed include:
•Two-year manufacturer warranties on all supplied equipment.
•Nationwide mobile maintenance and service support in all 16 regions.
•Collaboration with Technical Universities for training and technology transfer.
•Locally adapted engineering designs for Ghana’s terrain and climate.
The company described itself as a “wholly Ghanaian-owned limited liability company” committed to national development, job creation, and technical capacity-building.
“JAPP remains committed to implementing a project of such national importance, operating as a responsible corporate entity that upholds the laws of the Republic and contributes meaningfully to Ghana’s development agenda,” the statement concluded.
Below is a copy of the rejoinder:
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
