Thursday 23rd January, 2020
By Maxwell Awumah, GNA
Ho, Jan. 23, GNA – A Ho Magistrate Court has
slapped a fine of GH¢300.00 being 25 penalty units fine on Ho based E. P.
University College and Dr Kenneth Nyalemegbe, President of the University for
nonpayment of staff Social Security contributions.
Dr. Nyalemegbe pleaded guilty with explanation
to the charge and billed to re-appear on February 04, this year, and also
ordered to negotiate the payment terms of the arrears by the next adjourned
date.
Mr Gilbert O. Addy, Ho-Branch Prosecutor of Social
Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) told the Court presided over by
Mr Robert Addo that the University and Nyalemegbe from August to November 2019,
failed to honour paying SSNIT contributions of staff amounting to GH¢ 103,460.
He said the non-payment of the SSNIT
contributions covering the period were exposed by an inspection team of the
Trust.
Mr Addy said the University and Dr. Nyalemegbe
failed to oblige to demand notices, payment advice and calls notifying them of
their obligations under the law to pay up their indebtedness.
He said a criminal summons was consequently
issued to attend Court.
Dr. Nyalemegbe explained to the Court that
dwindling student enrolment, failure of students to pay fees on time, low fees
being charged and period of vacations were responsible for not promptly
compiling contributions for payment.
The Magistrate subsequently ordered the
accused person to enter into negotiation with the Trust for the negotiated
agreement to be adopted by the Court as consent judgement.
He advised the E. P. University College to
consider reducing staff numbers if students’ enrolment was on the dip.
Mr Addo slapped a fine of 25 and 5 penalty
units respectively on the University and Dr. Nyalemegbe.
GNA