Namibian Tourism Board Denies Allegations of Fraud and Non-Payment by Ghanaian Firm Hype.UP Limited
The Namibian Tourism Board (NTB) has reacted to allegations of fraud and non-payment of contract amounts leveled against it by Ghanaian digital marketing and tourism promotion firm, Hype.UP Limited.
NTB in a statement addressing the issue, described the allegations as baseless and unfounded.
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.
“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.
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.
Background
Ghanaian digital marketing and tourism promotion firm, Hype.UP Limited, has filed a formal complaint with the Ghana Police Services and the Namibian authorities against members of the Namibian Tourism Board (NTB), accusing them of a “deliberate act of fraudulent breach of trust” over unpaid debts.
In a statement with the Ghana Police Authority sighted by NorvanReports, there is an allegation that certain members of the NTB Board have intentionally withheld payments for services rendered under contracts signed in 2023.
The agreements mandated Hype.UP a Ghanaian firm to execute promotional campaigns aimed at boosting Namibia’s tourism industry aimed at pushing traffic of more Ghanaians and Africans to visit the Southern African Nation for holidays and safari tourism.
Despite fulfilling their contractual obligations, Hype.UP claims it has not received the agreed payments. But Insider information alleges that funds earmarked for settling the debt have already been released to the NTB Board, intensifying suspicions of foul play.
Speaking to NorvanReports, the lawyers for Hype.UP emphasized the gravity of the situation, describing the actions of NTB Board members as “a blatant disregard for professional ethics and a breach of trust.” The Ghanaian firm maintains that the NTB’s refusal to honour its financial obligations undermines the principles of fairness and accountability.
“Our company entered these contracts in good faith, delivered on all terms, and yet, payments have been deliberately withheld without justification,” the lawyers stated.
