ACEP Executive Director expresses shock over alleged misconduct at GNPC
The Executive Director of the Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP), Ben Boakye, has expressed deep concern over reports of potential misconduct involving the Board Chairman of the Ghana National Petroleum Commission (GNPC), Freddie Blay. The allegations stem from letters written and signed by Blay, which sought to allocate interest in Ghana’s lucrative oil fields to the Petroleum Oil and Gas Corporation of South Africa (PetroSA).
According to sources, the GNPC Board Chairman personally reached out to PetroSA, offering an equal split of the interest held by GNPC’s subsidiary, Jubilee Oil Holdings Ltd (JOHL). This unexpected move has raised eyebrows within the energy sector, leaving many questioning the proper protocols and corporate governance practices within GNPC.
Ben Boakye speaking in an interview expressed his surprise at the involvement of the Board Chairman in such operational matters. “It is surprising to find that in such a serious organization, you would have the Board Chair directly writing and signing letters,” said Boakye. He further noted that such responsibilities should typically fall under the purview of the Chief Executive Officer, Opoku Ahweneeh Danquah, assuming proper approval was obtained.
Boakye’s concerns extend beyond the operational aspect, highlighting potential governance and collusion issues within GNPC. He emphasized that this episode undermines the broader decision-making process within the organization. “This really points to certain collusion at some level within the organization to really undermine the broader decision of the organization,” Boakye explained. “And it is becoming clear that not the entire Management or Board was involved.”
In response to the controversy, Ghana’s Energy Minister, Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh, directed Freddie Blay to immediately withdraw the offer made to PetroSA. In a letter addressed to GNPC, Dr. Prempeh underscored that the stakes in question were acquired with state funds and thus should not be subject to pre-emption. The minister also informed the South African government through their Minister responsible for Natural Resources and Energy about Ghana’s stance on the matter during a bilateral meeting held at the African Energy Week in Cape Town.
The situation has now reached a critical point, with 29 Civil Society Organizations in the Extractive industry demanding the dismissal of both Freddie Blay and GNPC CEO Opoku Ahweneeh Danquah. The call for accountability and transparency resonates strongly within the civil society, as they seek appropriate action to address the alleged misconduct.
In defense of his actions, Freddie Blay denied any wrongdoing and maintained that he acted in the best interest of the country. He sees no justification for the calls to resign, although he acknowledged the possibility of being fired. “Possibly, I could be fired, but I don’t see any reason they are saying I should resign about this issue. I have done nothing wrong,” stated the former Chairman of the New Patriotic Party.
The controversy surrounding the GNPC has sent shockwaves throughout Ghana’s energy sector, raising questions about proper governance practices, transparency, and accountability. As the investigations unfold, it is imperative that authorities thoroughly examine the allegations to restore confidence in the institution and safeguard the interests of the nation. The outcome of this episode will not only shape the future of the GNPC but will also serve as a litmus test for the commitment to upholding ethical standards and good governance in the country’s energy sector.
