STC�s Fate Undecided

Government is yet to take a decision on whether to buy the 80 percent stake of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) in the troubled Intercity STC Coaches Limited (STC). This comes two months after SSNIT wrote to STC�s company secretary and government informing them of the company�s intention to dispose off its stake in the company. Government, who has the first option to buy SSNIT�s shares, is yet to respond, a senior official of the transport company said in an exclusive interview with the B&FT. �The disinterest in STC is so glaring. STC as at now cannot sustain itself without the support from somewhere else. As we speak, SSNIT has categorically written that it is selling off its 80% stake in the company. �There are so many companies that have expressed interest in STC. But since government has the first option to buy SSNIT�s stake, we are looking to government; but right now it has not decided whether to buy or not. Government needs to take a decision, quick.� While waiting on the next move from government, the company is currently on the brink of collapse. Lack of buses to service the company�s regularly routes is exacerbated by the immobilisation of 20 buses by J.A.Plant Pool -- owing to the inability of STC to service its debts which stands at GH�977,000. Per the arrangement, STC had to pay GH�17,500 daily to the latter. It is estimated that the company has lost about GH�308,000 in revenue within the last two weeks due to the lock-down of the buses. Prudential Bank Limited has also secured a court order to sell the administrative building of the ailing transport company situated at the STC yard in Accra. The total debts owed the bank amount to US$3million. The B&FT learnt that a number of business entities have expressed interest in acquiring the company, but the inaction of government has left the STC in limbo.