Blay is on his own; we didn’t finance his campaign – GNPC

The Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), has denied being instrumental in the purchase of the 275 buses procured by newly elected Chairman of the governing New Patriotic Party(NPP), Freddie Blay to support his party.

A statement signed by the GNPC Chief Executive, K. K. Sarpong, insisted the “corporation has a robust financial system that will not allow any official to approve or receive funds to support programmes not set out in its work programme and budget that is approved by Parliament.”

This comes on the back of the Minority Caucus in Parliament Press Statement calling for a “forensic audit” into the accounts and activities of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) following the “vulgar opulence” of its board chairman Freddie Blay at the New Patriotic Party (NPP) delegates’ conference over the weekend.

The Minority has demanded that Mr. Blay, who has been elected the National Chairman of the ruling NPP “step aside as GNPC Board Chairman in the interim” for the forensic audit “to be carried out by an independent internationally acclaimed audit firm.”

Describing Mr. Blay’s actions before and during the conference as “gross misconduct,” the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) MPs said in a statement Sunday that he is “unsuitable as the man to remain in charge of our oil and gas resources. Ghana is not safe.”

“The Minority hereby serves notice that if President Akufo-Addo fails to commission the requested forensic audit within the next two weeks, we shall vigorously explore other avenues within and without Parliament to seek redress and safeguard our country’s precious oil and gas resources,” Adam Mutawakilu (MP) Ranking Member, Mines and Energy Committee said in a statement.

But the GNPC, however, is dismissive of the red flags raised by the minority caucus in its financial management saying its work programme had been approved after “an extensive debate” in Parliament.

“Our records are there for verification anytime by anyone. We wish to let the public know that GNPC’s financial records are audited by Ernst and Young, one of the “Big Four” international auditing firms, which adheres to very high standards.” the statement said.

Blay’s 275 buses for NPP

The newly-elected Chairman of the NPP has come under pressure regarding the 275 buses purportedly purchased by his campaign.

At least 100 of the controversial buses were delivered by Mr. Blay few days to the NPP National Delegates Conference held at Koforidua in the Eastern region.

Mr. Blay, had indicated the Buses were procured for all 275 constituencies as part of his plans to resource the party.