PAC orders eviction of former irrigation company MD from official residence

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has instructed the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to enlist the aid of police to remove Dr Benedict Bonaventure Aligebam, the former Managing Director of an irrigation company in the Upper East Region, from an official residence if he does not voluntarily vacate the property. This decision was made following a long-standing disagreement over Aligebam's continued presence in the facility after his tenure as Managing Director concluded.

The conflict has reportedly caused operational difficulties for the company, as the present Managing Director, Dr Dominic Anarigide, has been residing in Bolgatanga while continuing his work in Navrongo. Dr Anarigide informed the Committee that attempts to settle the matter have thus far been unsuccessful, despite efforts from the former Chief of Staff and other officials.

At the heart of the dispute is a contract extension by the company's former board, which was later shortened from three months to two years. Legal proceedings ensued after Aligebam was barred from entering his office. Although a court dismissed his application for an injunction related to the issue, Aligebam remains in the official residence, claiming his belongings are still present and that he was unjustly locked out.

The matter was brought to the attention of the PAC during its review of the Auditor-General's Report on the company, which has also been implicated in financial misconduct and administrative problems. Consequently, the Committee ordered the Ministry to request police intervention to ensure Aligebam departs the residence if he does not depart willingly.