Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
Spartan Ives Limited, a leading name in the logistics and advisory services in Ghana, has categorically refuted unsubstantiated claims of wrongdoing made by National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
The company, in a statement, indicated that the baseless allegations made by the MP and carried by some media organisations “are part of a broader attempt to tarnish our reputation as a business and distract from our continued success.”
The company is, however, optimistic that the truth will prevail and it will be exonerated from these baseless claims.
Allegations
Mr. Ablakwa, in a post on his social media handle, had claimed that Spartan Ives Limited breached the terms of a joint venture agreement it had with the Labadi Beach Hotel in order to encroach and claim ownership of beachfront land belonging to the hotel.
The MP further claimed on other platforms that Spartan Ives capitalised on the political connections of its shareholders to gag the Labadi Beach Hotel and other stakeholders.
Mr. Ablakwa again insinuated that there is something nefarious about an unsuccessful bid the company put in to acquire a stake in the Labadi Beach Hotel.
Categorical Denials
However, Spartan Ives Limited has described the allegations as completely unfounded and misleading, pointing to a broader agenda to tarnish the image of one of the rising indigenous Ghanaian businesses.
According to a statement signed by its management, as admitted by the MP, most of the accusations he made against the company and its sister businesses are currently before the courts, hence it “will not comment on the cases out of respect for the court and our firm belief in the Ghanaian justice system.”
Labadi Beachfront
The statement pointed out that while it is widely known that Spartan Ives Limited is one of the stakeholders in the Polo Beach Club located near the Labadi Beach Hotel, Polo Beach Club has neither denied Labadi Beach Hotel of its access to the beachfront nor interfered with the operations of the hotel.
The statement said the Polo Beach Club is one of many local businesses operating on the La beachfront, but categorically stated that, “We have not taken over control of the beachfront land owned by Labadi Beach Hotel.”
It also asserted that Mr. Kwaw Blay’s shareholding interest in Spartan Ives Limited, Press Xpress Limited and Gold Coast Expo Limited, the three entities that have at different stages been involved in the creation and management of what operates now on the La beachfront as the Polo Beach Club, has never been hidden and can be verified at the Office of the Registrar of Companies.
“Since commencing commercial operations, the Polo Beach Club has operated on a parcel of land distinct from the beachfront land that the Labadi Beach Hotel uses for its guests. The Polo Beach Club has obtained the consent and concurrence of the lawful owners and managers of the La beachfront to operate from its current location,” the statement pointed out.
Unsuccessful Bid
The statement also indicated that Spartan Ives Limited unsuccessfully tendered a bid for the acquisition of SSNIT’s interest in the Labadi Beach Hotel.
It said the bid was a competitive bid with the backing of reputable international financial institutions and advisors.
“We wish to state without equivocation, that at no point during this process did we engage in any illegal or unethical conduct.
“Spartan Ives Limited and Press Xpress Limited are fully indigenous companies operating in Ghana’s logistics and event management sector. We are proud to be part of the Ghanaian businesses responsible for hosting the Polo Beach Club events which have contributed immensely to the globally acclaimed ‘December in Ghana’ experience and the success of the ‘Year of Return’ project since 2019,” the statement noted.
The statement therefore, urged the general public and its stakeholders not to be swayed by these unfounded accusations and to trust in the legal process.
“Spartan Ives Limited remains committed to delivering exceptional services and upholding our values of honesty, respect, and accountability,” it added.
BY Gibril Abdul Razak