KEY POINTS
- Evatex says it will sue GACL if it ends its contract.
- The company says that the contract is worth $64.6 million.
- Evatex’s deal with GACL is being looked into by the law.
Evatex Logistics Limited, a business that mines and stevedores, has given Ghana Airport Business Limited (GACL) a very serious warning after they tried to end their contract to audit and ensure income at Kotoka International Airport. If GACL doesn’t take back its termination notice within seven days, the business will go to court.
Evatex sent a letter to K-Archy & Company arguing that the termination is not fair because they have spent a lot of money on the project ($64.6 million). They began working in April 2025 and believes it has already fulfilled some of its contract obligations, like providing reports for GACL to review. Evatex can keep 15% of whatever money it finds through its audits, but GACL says it hasn’t made any money yet.
Worries about legal and procurement issues
The legal problems with Evatex’s deal with GACL are getting worse. Experts have questioned the contract’s awarding, stating that it appears improper. The Special Prosecutor’s Office (OSP) and experts in procurement are looking into whether the company can meet the terms of the deal and whether it is legal. Both companies lack certification from the Institute of Chartered Accountants Ghana (ICAG), which the Institute requires for auditing and revenue assurance services.
Despite these concerns, the Ghana Airports Company went ahead with awarding the contract through a single-source procurement method, bypassing competitive bidding. Questions have also been raised about the company’s financial background and workforce. According to documents, Evatex’s tax records and employee history prior to winning the contract were sparse at best, prompting skepticism about its ability to fulfill the terms of the agreement.
Political influence and backdating suspicions
Suspicion surrounds the timing of the contract, as key documents appear backdated. Critics argue that GACL may have pushed the deal through to avoid post-election scrutiny. The contract’s quick approval, just before Ghana’s 2024 elections, fuels the belief that political motives may have played a role in awarding the contract.
Despite GACL’s insistence on the legality of the procurement, inconsistencies in contract dates and the lack of competitive bidding have prompted skepticism. Experts question if the outgoing government expedited the deal to avoid closer inspection by the incoming administration after the election.
What lies ahead?
As the investigation unfolds, all eyes are on how this legal dispute will unfold. The outcome could set a significant precedent for future government contracts, shaping how authorities handle and scrutinize procurement processes in Ghana. If Evatex wins its case, it could signal a shift in how authorities enforce accountability in the public sector.
