Namibian Tourism Board Faces Fraud Allegations Over Unpaid Contracts
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.
Hype.UP’s legal team has officially petitioned Namibian authorities and the Police in Ghana, pressing for an immediate investigation. They are urging the police to hold the NTB Board members accountable for what they describe as a clear case of fraud.
Checks by NorvanReports reveal that the Ghanaian Police are commencing investigations into the matter.
A police officer to whom the complaint was filed told NorvanReports that investigations and preliminary inquiries will soon begin, and both parties are expected to be interrogated as part of efforts to resolve the dispute.
“Our approach will ensure transparency and finality in the matter,” the officer stated.
If substantiated, the allegations could have significant implications for the NTB and Namibia’s international reputation, particularly regarding partnerships with foreign firms in the area of tourism. For Hype.UP, the outcome will also signal how African businesses are treated when operating in cross-border environments.
The dispute highlights the challenges foreign companies face when engaging with state entities in Africa, particularly regarding payment enforcement and contract execution. Local police authorities have confirmed their intention to investigate the matter, though formal proceedings have yet to commence.
This case comes at a sensitive time for Namibia’s tourism sector, which has been working to enhance its international profile. The allegations could potentially impact future collaborations between the tourism board and international marketing partners.
Legal experts suggest that the decision to pursue criminal charges, rather than limiting action to civil proceedings, indicates the gravity of the allegations and could have broader implications for governance in Namibian public institutions.
As investigations unfold, NorvanReports will continue to monitor developments and provide updates on this case.
