GNPC fails to convince Parliament over ex-gratia payment

Officials of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) who appeared before a committee of parliament today over their controversial payment of ex-gratia to some four of its former employees failed to convince the House on the payment.

This was disclosed by the minority spokesperson on Energy K.T Hammond, who first blew the whistle on the matter.

The payments have been widely criticized with some lawyers describing it as illegal.

The regulatory body confirmed in a statement Monday that it indeed paid former CEO Tsatsu Tsikata and three others ex-gratia, but failed to mention figures.

“The Board of Directors of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), has approved the payment of ex-gratia to four former employees of the Corporation, comprising of two former Chief Executives and two Managers.

“The four and the positions at which they exited GNPC are: Mr. Tsatsu Tsikata (Chief Executive); Nana Boakye Asafu-Adjaye (Ag. Chief Executive); Mr. Benjamin Dagadu (Field Evaluation and Development Manager); and Ms. Esther Cobbah (Public Affairs Manager).

Speaking to Starr News’ Bernard Nasara Saibu after the parliamentary meeting Wednesday, the Adansi Asokwa MP said the GNPC officials have been asked to appear before the House again since they failed to justify the payment.

“We couldn’t have been satisfied. It didn’t look good. I spoke to the committee chairman after the meeting; they have been asked to come back again to provide more details on their decision. Many fundamental issues are still outstanding, they will have to come back,” he stated.