CSOs demand ousting of GNPC Chairman, Acting CEO over planned sale of Gov’t interests in Jubilee, TEN fields
A coalition of 29 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Ghana has demanded the immediate removal of the Board Chairman of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), Freddie Blay, and the acting Chief Executive Officer, Opoku Ahweneeh Danquah. The CSOs, including notable organizations such as the Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP), Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), and the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers Ghana (COPEC), have expressed concerns that the two individuals have become a threat to Ghana’s interests in the petroleum sector.
In a statement endorsed by representatives from all 29 CSOs, the Coalition argued that allowing individuals who are seen as a threat to the country’s petroleum sector to remain in key positions is unacceptable, particularly at a time when Ghana is being closely managed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) due to fiscal challenges. They emphasized the need for responsible fiscal management and the avoidance of any actions that could be construed as fiscal recklessness.
The coalition further demanded full disclosure of information regarding the AFC transaction and clarity on the exact amount that would constitute petroleum costs. They also called for the immediate closure of the Aker Plan of Development (PoD) from the Petroleum Commission and the government, citing recurring controversies surrounding Aker Energy and AGM operations in Ghana, as well as the sale of 50% of Jubilee Oil Holding Limited’s interest in the Deepwater Tano block to PetroSA, which has raised significant concerns.
The CSOs stressed the importance of prudent resource management in challenging times, highlighting the need to derive maximum benefits from Ghana’s resources and provide relief to the suffering masses. They believe that responsible and transparent management of the petroleum sector is crucial for the nation’s overall development.
Meanwhile, Energy Minister Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh has accused GNPC Board Chairman Freddie Blay of offering an interest in Ghana’s oil fields to a South African oil company, Petroleum Oil and Gas Corporation of South Africa (PetroSA). Dr. Prempeh contends that such an offer is not in Ghana’s best interest as it could lead to revenue loss. He has called on Mr. Blay to withdraw the offer immediately.
Dr. Prempeh emphasized that the stakes held by GNPC’s subsidiary Jubilee Oil Holdings Ltd were acquired by the Government of Ghana using state funds. He further indicated that the Ghanaian government has informed the South African government, during a bilateral meeting at the African Energy Week in Cape Town in 2022, that it would not approve any pre-emption of the JOHL stakes.
The situation surrounding the GNPC and the allegations against its Chairman and acting CEO have raised concerns about governance and transparency in Ghana’s petroleum sector. The demands made by the coalition of CSOs reflect a call for accountability and responsible management of the country’s resources, particularly in the critical sector of oil and gas. The outcome of this ongoing controversy will have significant implications for Ghana’s petroleum industry and its reputation among international investors.
List of CSOs demanding for the removal of the Board Chair and CEO of GNPC:
