Private Sanitation Company Petitions Presidency Over Municipal Contract Dispute
A governance dispute in Ghana's growing sanitation sector has reached the highest levels of government, highlighting both opportunities and challenges in public-private partnerships that are transforming the country's infrastructure landscape.
Prince Setraco Ghana Limited, a private construction and sanitation management company, has petitioned President John Dramani Mahama's office regarding alleged interference with its operations of a modern 20-seater toilet facility in Kotobabi, Accra.
The Business Model at Stake
The case centers on a 15-year lease agreement signed on May 1, 2023, between Prince Setraco Ghana Limited and the Ayawaso Central Municipal Assembly. This innovative partnership model allows private companies to renovate, operate, and collect revenue from public facilities while sharing proceeds with local assemblies.
Such arrangements represent a growing trend in Ghana's infrastructure development, where private sector expertise and investment are being leveraged to improve public services while generating sustainable revenue streams for both parties.
Revenue and Investment Figures
According to the company's petition, the dispute has significant financial implications. The unpaid revenue to the Assembly over six months amounts to GHC 10,080, while the company's outstanding bank loan totals GHC 180,000.
The company operated the facility successfully for two years before the alleged September 2025 interference by Assemblyman Tommy Thompson and associates, demonstrating the viability of such public-private partnerships when properly managed.
Legal Action and Transparency
Prince Setraco Ghana Limited has pursued multiple avenues for resolution, including filing a lawsuit at the District Magistrate Court in Accra. The company seeks:
- Declaration confirming its 15-year leasehold interest
- Daily compensation of GH¢ 2,000 for lost revenue since September 19, 2025
- Injunction preventing further interference with operations
Police investigations reportedly confirmed unauthorized revenue collection, highlighting the importance of transparent governance in public-private partnerships.
Implications for Ghana's Development
This case underscores the critical need for strong institutional frameworks to protect legitimate business investments in Ghana's infrastructure sector. Such partnerships are essential for achieving the country's development goals and attracting both local and diaspora investment.
The outcome of this dispute will likely influence future public-private partnerships in Ghana's sanitation sector, an area where innovative business models are crucial for improving public health and creating sustainable economic opportunities.
The involvement of the presidency signals the government's commitment to addressing governance challenges that could impact Ghana's business environment and its reputation among international investors.