The Namibia Tourism Board (NTB) has firmly denied allegations of fraud and non-payment leveled against it by Ghanaian marketing agency Hype.UP Limited. NTB in a statement addressing the issue, described the allegations as baseless and unfounded.
According to NorvanReports, the NTB argues that contrary to assertions by Hype.UP that it has not been paid for its services, some $36,837 had been paid to Hype.UP by the previous Board and management.
However, adding that the new Board and management found no supporting documentation, contracts, or agreements to substantiate the payments. “In June 2024, following the appointment of a new Board and management, NTB received a complaint from Hype.UP Limited Ghana regarding the delayed payment of an invoice amounting to $9,964. “Upon receiving the complaint, NTB initiated a thorough investigation to ensure transparency and accountability. The investigation revealed critical information that the invoice in question was issued five months prior to the formalization of the agreements and the commencement of services.
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“Further, inquiry uncovered that between May 2023 and April 2024, Hype.UP Limited had submitted invoices totaling $672,292 and NTB had paid Hype.UP a total of $36,837 between April and October 2023. “The new Board and management found no supporting documentation, contracts, or agreements to substantiate these payments, a subsequent meeting with Hype.UP failed to clarify these discrepancies, leaving NTB with serious concerns that these payments may have been part of a fraudulent scheme,” NTB stated.
NTB further argues that, three Service agreements between the previous Board and management with Hype.UP with all three agreements terminated due to no services rendered under the agreements. “NTB entered into a third agreement with Hype.UP on September 6, 2023, intended to run for one year, from June 2023 to December 2024. Despite the diligent review, NTB found no invoices or evidence of services rendered under this agreement during the agreed period. As stipulated in Clause 8.2 of the agreement, NTB terminated this contract to mitigate potential losses and avoid further involvement in agreements that appear to have been entered into with corrupt intent, similar to the Kora Contract,” it added.
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Concluding its statement, the NTB noted that it stands firm in its commitment to transparency, accountability, and ethical business practices. “NTB will vigorously defend itself against any legal proceedings related to these claims and is dedicated to ensuring that any unlawful actions are addressed appropriately,” it added.
It could be recalled that Ghanaian digital marketing and tourism promotion firm, Hype.UP Limited, has earlier filed a formal complaint with the Ghana Police Services and the Namibian authorities against members of the Namibian Tourism Board (NTB) for fraud allegations of over US$51 123.92 (N$957 909.91) involving unpaid contracts.
According to Windhoek Observe, NTB signed two different contracts with Hype.Up Limited in 2023 for the Ghanaian company to execute awareness campaigns to enhance Namibia’s tourism industry by attracting more visitors from Ghana and other African nations.
This was to be done through the ‘November in Namibia’ program, which is designed to establish a network of ambitious Africans who share a passion for intra-Africa tourism, travel and trade. It encompasses a range of events, including safaris, film, cuisines, trade opportunities, and networking sessions through a comprehensive 7-day holiday package from Ghana to Namibia. The first group of Ghanaians visited Namibia in 2023. Hype.Up is accusing NTB of intentionally withholding payments for services rendered under 2023 contracts.
According to the Hype.Up’s lawyer Isaac Arko Inkum, the first contract was signed on 06 September 2023, to run from June 2023 to December 2024. He said the outstanding amount owed to Hype.Up for this contract amounts to US$ 9964 (N$186 695.67). NTB signed a second contract with Hype.Up on 27 October 2023, which was to run from 27 October 2023 to 29 February 2024. Inkum said NTB owes his client US$ 41 159.92 (N$ 771 214.24) for the second contract. This brings the total amount to US$ 51 123.92 USD ((N$957 909.91).
