Audit report on Energy Commission out soon

Accra, June 1, GNA - The Auditor-General is compiling a report into alleged administrative lapses committed by the Chairman and Executive Secretary of the Energy Commission, which would serve as a basis for full-scale investigations by a committee to be set up. Professor Michael Ocquaye, Energy Minister, said the audit report would look into administrative and corporate governance practices and any abuse of power by the two officers of the Commission and come out with recommendation or sanctions to be instituted if the two were found to have gone against the rules.

The Minister was responding to a question in Parliament on events leading to the Government's directive that the Chairman and Executive Secretary of the Commission step aside from their respective positions at the Commission.


Prof Ocquaye, who came under tough questioning from the Minority calling on him to come up with specifics reasons for the directive, said he did not want to prejudge the matter and it was best to wait for the audit report, which would establish the guilt or otherwise of the two officials.


In answer to a question as to whether the Executive Secretary was not being victimised because of his stance on some Government policies on energy including that of the National Petroleum Authority Bill and the West African Gas Pipeline, the Minister said the Government acted on the basis of reports and facts which had recently emerged.

Responding to another question, the Prof Ocquaye said in accordance with laid down public service rules, although the two official were not at post they were still being paid because the matter was being investigated and they had as yet not been found guilty.


He said a committee would be set up to look into the report when submitted and the parties involved would be invited to tell their side of the story before final actions would be taken.