The ZoDF Office being locked
The head office of the Zongo Development Fund (ZoDF) at Abelemkpe in Accra has been locked out by its landlord over unpaid rent amounting to $252,500, following the expiration of its tenancy agreement in August 2025.
The landlord, Eric Asare, who is a retired military officer, said the Fund has failed to honour the terms of a renewed lease agreement despite continued occupation of the property.
According to him, the outstanding amount, equivalent to GH¢3,913,750 at an exchange rate of GH¢15.50 to the dollar as of August 2, 2025, represents four years’ rent and a security deposit payable in advance under the agreement.
He further demanded a 15 percent commercial bank interest on the amount, arguing that the non-payment has deprived him of potential income from other tenants.
“They have taken advantage of my leniency in allowing them to remain in the property during the renewal process,” he said, adding that ZoDF and the Office of the President had breached key provisions of the tenancy agreement.
“They have therefore lost any right of occupancy effective August 3, 2025,” he stated.
The renewed tenancy agreement, which was to run from August 2025 to August 2029, maintained a monthly rent of $5,000.
Under the terms, the tenant was required to pay four years’ rent upfront, together with a 2.5-month refundable security deposit, all in cedi equivalent at the prevailing exchange rate.
The premises was reportedly locked yesterday by Col. Asare, accompanied by several individuals, in the absence of the Chief Executive Officer, Alhaji Alidu Haruna.
Senior officials present at the time included Deputy CEO (Operations), Rakia Abdulai; Head of Finance, Osman Ali, Chief Accountant Emos Salifu; and Head of Corporate Affairs, Ahmed Ayuba.
Col. Asare insisted that the office would remain inaccessible until the full contractual amount is paid, warning that further legal action may follow if the matter is not resolved promptly.
He disclosed that he had held several meetings with ZoDF officials, including the CEO and board representatives, to resolve the issue, but these engagements failed to yield results.
Documents indicate that prior to the dispute, ZoDF had formally requested a renewal of the tenancy in a letter dated July 23, 2025, expressing interest in continuing occupancy of the property for another four-year term.
The letter, signed by the Chief Executive Officer, emphasised the Fund’s desire to maintain its long-standing relationship with the landlord.
However, the failure to meet the financial obligations under the renewed agreement has now culminated in the lockout, disrupting operations at the Fund’s headquarters and raising concerns about its administrative continuity.
BY Prince Fiifi Yorke