The Chief of Staff, Hon. Akosua Frema Osei Opare, has written to the Managing Director of the Irrigation Company of Upper Regions (ICOUR), Dr. Benedict Bonaventure Aligebam, urging him to vacate his position. Despite this directive, Dr. Aligebam has declined to step down, a situation reminiscent of earlier attempts by former Upper East Regional Minister Stephen Yakubu to have him resign.
According to the Chief of Staff’s directive, Dr. Aligebam’s tenure expired in March 2024, and he is therefore required to cease holding the position of Managing Director immediately. The letter, dated September 12, 2024, instructs him to hand over all official duties and company property to the most senior officer without delay.
The letter states:
> “It has come to our attention that despite the expiration of your tenure as Managing Director of the Irrigation Company of Upper Region (ICOUR) in March 2024, you continue to serve in this capacity. You are hereby directed to cease holding office immediately and to hand over your duties, along with any official property in your possession, to the most senior officer at ICOUR without delay.”
Earlier this year, in February 2024, Stephen Yakubu, who also served as the board chairman of ICOUR, wrote to Dr. Aligebam, demanding his resignation. However, Dr. Aligebam refused to comply, and shortly thereafter, Yakubu was transferred to the Upper West Region.
In his letter, Yakubu stated:
> “I make reference to the MOFA letter with reference No. BH341/341/01 of 2nd February, 2024 on the above subject matter (copy attached for ease of reference) and write to inform you that your request for a two-year post-retirement contract could not be granted. You are also being informed that the three (3) months post-retirement contract, which took effect from 7th December, 2023, expired on the 7th March, 2024. You are hereby directed to hand over your duties and responsibilities as the Managing Director of the Irrigation Company of Upper Regions (ICOUR) to the next Senior Management Officer while steps are being taken for a replacement.”
In April 2021, ICOUR staff staged a demonstration, petitioning the government for Dr. Aligebam’s removal, citing allegations of misappropriation of company funds, including the purchase of iPhones for personal use, as well as threatening behaviour towards employees. Despite these serious allegations, the government has yet to take action.
Additionally, in May 2021, farmers from the Tono irrigation farming scheme also protested and submitted a petition to the government regarding Dr. Aligebam’s conduct, but he remained unaffected by these demonstrations.
Residents of the Upper East Region have expressed frustration over Dr. Aligebam’s continued tenure, suggesting that only police intervention could remove him from office. Despite the Chief of Staff’s clear directive from September, he has remained in position, ignoring calls for his resignation.
Source: mywordfmonline.com/Gaspard Ayuureneeya.