Three companies that make up the AGAMS group of companies have paid the first instalment of loans unlawfully contracted under the GYEEDA programme.

Executive Secretary of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) Mortey Akpadzi, confirmed to Joy News cheques for GH¢14.5 million in refunds and interest from rLG, CraftPro and Asongtaba have been received by the Office.

The three companies are required to pay a total of GH¢55.5 million as part of GH¢ 200 million due to be refunded by all service providers implicated in Joy News investigation last year.

The GH¢55.5 million constituted loans advanced to the companies by the Ghana Youth Employment and Entrepreneurial Agency (GYEEDA), to help them provide various services.

Rlg Communications, Asongtaba Cottage Industries and Craftpro, all subsidiaries of Roland Agambire’s AGAMS Group, were directed by the President last year to return a total of GH¢55.5 million to the state, in line with recommendations of an investigative report that look into the financial malfeasance.

Asongtaba is to refund a total of GH¢41,305,373.80, with rLG and Craftpro expected to pay back GH¢7,132,488.38 and GH¢7,458,806.39 respectively.

Deputy Attorney-General Dr. Dominic Ayine, last year underscored the A-G Department's resolve to ensure the unlawfull loans are retrieved at all cost.

AGAMS Group has one year to pay the GH¢55.5 million loan, which was advanced without parliamentary approval.