The Institute of Energy Security (IES) has urged President Akufo-Addo to step in and resolve disagreements between two leaders at the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC).
IES insists the turf war between the CEO and the Board Chairman of the company has the potency to fuel a weak front in Ghana’s negotiation with independent oil companies (IOCs).
The IES call follows recent disagreement between the Chief Executive of GNPC, Dr. K. K. Sarpong and the Board Chairman, Freddie Blay on procurement and recruitment issues.
Dr. K. K Sarpong was heavily criticized by some of the workers of the company for usurping the roles of the company’s Chief Finance Officer.
He was accused of irregular recruitment and hijacking the procurement processes at the corporation.
The Board Chairman of GNPC, Freddie Blay then demanded an apology and the immediate withdrawal of a letter that, Dr. K. K Sarpong wrote to the Chief Finance Officer of the firm over the recruitment of a procurement manager.
Mr. Blay noted that Dr. K.K Sarpong by his action was being subversive and going beyond his stated powers by sidestepping the decisions of the board.
Minority Spokesperson on Energy, Adam Mutawakilu had also criticized the move by the GNPC CEO, saying it violates the principles of good corporate governance.
Speaking to Citi Business News, Executive Director at the IES, Paa Kwesi Anamua Sakyi said the president should step in to save the country from embarrassments.
“It is the lead Ghanaian oil company. It is embroiled in such procurement issues where the top-notch officials cannot resolve issues at a table but it should be a public discussion then of course it is quite embarrassing for us. Similar issue has come up in Nigeria NMPC on procurement issue. What are the interest here? Are the interests national or personal?,” he asked
He added that “It is important that the president who has the power to appoint leading personnel in these functionary areas to step in and stop this because it can deter investment, it is not just embarrassing. Persons and those who want to partner GNPC to become that sole operator will also shy away. And so it is important for the number one gentleman of the land make his statement on this and bring this two gentlemen to order.”
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By: Jessica Ayorkor Aryee/citibusinessnews.com/Ghana.