Zoomlion to appeal High Court decision on Auditor General’s surcharge

Zoomlion Ghana Limited has served notice it will appeal the decision of the Accra High Court dismissing a case that challenged the validity of surcharges issued by the Auditor General against the waste management firm.

“Much as Zoomlion welcomes the decision, it should be noted that the company is clothed with the right to seek a review of the High Court’s decision and will proceed to take steps it deems fit based on the counsel of its Lawyers upon studying the ruling,” it said in a statement Monday.

Though Zoomlion said it was yet to receive a certified true copy of the court’s decision, “the court was categorical that no fraud was established”.

The surcharges were issued following an audit of a contract executed by Zoomlion Ghana Limited for the Ministry of Health. Although Zoomlion always maintained that the Auditor General’s position was ill-suited when measured against the actual circumstances of the contract, the High Court held otherwise.

“It is noteworthy that no reasons were immediately assigned by the Court for its ruling save to indicate that the facts will be captured in a detailed decision,” Zoomlion said in the statement.

It has meanwhile assured the public particularly its stakeholders that the company’s commitment to transparency in its operations and regard for regulatory authorities and the law, as well as excellence in service delivery remains firm.

The Auditor-General in January 2019 served a surcharge and disallowance certificate on Zoomlion, which the company disagreed with and appropriately appealed against it in the High Court in accordance with law.