GNPC turf war 'ugly' – IES

The Institute for Energy Security (IES) has condemned the strained relationship between the CEO of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) and the board chairman.

Dr. K.K Sarpong has accused the board chair of the firm Freddie Blay of undermining his authority. According to him, the NPP chairman is interfering in roles specifically assigned to the Chief Executive.

The two key officials of the state entity appear to have clashed on the recruitment of a procurement officer.

In a statement on Monday, the IES said it is “alarmed at the complete breakdown in the top hierarchy” of GNPC.

“This Board Room power-play is very dangerous to the country’s economy since GNPC’s share of our off-shore oil and gas production is a vital component of Ghana’s annual budget,” the IES said.

Below is the full IES statement:

POWER PLAY AT GNPC IS UGLY AND MUST BE STOPPED

1. The Institute for Energy Security (IES) is alarmed at the complete breakdown in the top hierarchy of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), as evident in the outright public confrontations between the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the Board Chair over procurement related issues.

2. It is important to state that “the turf war is ugly, undesired and greatly undermines the smooth running of Ghana’s Oil Company, the GNPC.”

3. The turf war between the CEO and the Board Chairman has the potency to fuel a weak front in Ghana’s negotiation with independent oil companies (IOCs). The wrangling could equally make GNPC unattractive to potential investors and partners.

4. This Board Room power-play is very dangerous to the country’s economy since GNPC’s share of our off-shore oil and gas production is a vital component of Ghana’s annual budget.

5. One would have thought that current GNPC Board Room energy now being displayed publicly and negatively, could have been channeled into meeting the mandate of exploring and producing oil on its own to reduce the reliance on IOCs, and the country’s benefits from its petroleum resources.

6. For GNPC to meets its mission and vision to be a stand-alone operator in the next few years, its leadership, staff commitments to a common purpose, and internal control system; must be apt.

7. Procurement irregularities are serious and can lead to possible prosecution, to the extent that such an irregularity can lead to causing financial loss to the state, and trust in state enterprises.

8. Considering the vital role of GNPC, the Institute for Energy Security (IES) calls on the Ministry of Energy (MoE), the Public Procurement Authority, and the Attorney General (AG) to look into the possibility of infraction in relation to the functions and mandates of the top-most officials of GNPC, and take a decisive step.

9. The President in whom the power to appoint leadership to state institutions is vested, must call the leadership of GNPC to order and save the country from embarrassments.

Signed: Paa Kwasi Anamua Sakyi Executive Director, IES