On Friday, October 23, 2026, the Tamale High Court ruled that former Northern Development Authority chief executive officer Sumaila Abdul Rahman, his two deputies Stephen Yir Aru Engmen and Patrick Seidu, and the chief executive officer of A&Q Consortium would each receive a fine of 1,000 penalty units for procurement breaches, rather than custodial sentences.
Justice Eric Ansah Ankomah, presiding over the case, noted that mitigating factors—such as the convicts’ advanced age and the fact that the OSP stopped payments before any financial loss occurred—warranted non‑custodial penalties.
Counsel Sylvester Isang, who represented the four convicts, told Channel One TV that the OSP retains the right to appeal if it is dissatisfied with the court’s decision. “If they do, we will have no option but to respond,” Isang said.
The court also imposed a default sentence of four years’ imprisonment with hard labour on each count if the fines are not paid, with all default sentences running concurrently.
Isang described the outcome as fair and favourable to his clients, noting that the convicts are currently paying the fines and hope to return home soon.
The OSP’s decision to appeal, if it chooses, will be the next step in this high‑profile procurement saga.
