Gabby responds to Ablakwa’s GH¢187m ‘Kitchen Scandal exposé

• Aug 4, 2023

Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, Senior Partner at Africa Legal Associates, has responded extensively to the recent “Kitchen Scandal” exposé by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Member of Parliament for North Tongu.

In his response on August 4, 2023, Gabby maintained that his firm was engaged in legitimate legal duties on behalf of their client, West Blue Ghana Limited. The company sought to recover an outstanding amount of GH¢187,356,969 owed by the Government of Ghana under a contract dating back to August 2015.

Gabby emphasized that the claim was based on a contract executed during the John Mahama administration, of which Ablakwa was a key member. The claim was founded on clause 13.1 of the contract, and West Blue demanded the outstanding payments from the Ministry of Finance and Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).

He pointed out that the MoF and GRA had consistently denied the claim, leading to unsuccessful attempts by his firm to obtain a legal explanation on the matter. The Attorney General’s legal opinion, as revealed by Ablakwa’s exposé, now confirms the legitimacy of West Blue’s claim.

Gabby clarified that no payment had been made to West Blue, and his firm was merely representing the client’s legitimate case against the state. He questioned Ablakwa’s stance and wondered if his interest was in the legitimacy of the claim or the amount involved. He also asked if the matter would have been viewed differently if another qualified lawyer was handling it.

Gabby stated that his role as a cousin to President Akufo-Addo did not affect his ethical obligation to represent clients with legitimate claims. He highlighted that other law firms were currently representing clients with similar cases involving contracts signed during Ablakwa’s tenure in government.

He assured that Africa Legal Associates remained committed to pursuing West Blue’s legal rights and was open to negotiations with the government for the payment of the claim. If needed, the client would consider legal action to recover the debt.

Gabby reiterated his commitment to providing legal services as a lawyer and Senior Partner of the firm, adhering to the codes of his profession and focusing solely on the legitimacy of the cases involved.

…signed…

Gabby Otchere-Darko,

Senior Partner, ALA