Mahama warns government over a new $800 million gas processing contract

Former President John Mahama has issued a stern warning that anyone who causes financial loss to the state in connection with a new $800 million gas processing contract will face the full force of the law.

“At the dying stages of this government, they are busy signing contracts that are going to bind this nation for many, many years to come,” Mahama noted.

Speaking at a community engagement at Ablekuma West during his phase 3 tour of the Greater Accra Region, Mahama said that the amount involved requires parliamentary approval.

He, therefore, cautioned that if the contract is not presented before Parliament, a future National Democratic Congress (NDC) government will hold those responsible accountable, ensuring they are prosecuted for causing financial loss to the state.

“This week, our spokesperson on energy, John Jinapor, gave a caution that there is a contract they want to sign with Ghana Gas for the second gas trail; for 8 years this government has not invested in extra gas, so why is it that they are in a hurry to sign a contract for the second gas trail, just because they want to commit it, take their 10%, and if it takes 5 years for the gas to come, they don’t care,” Mahama indicated.

“We are warning everybody who is involved in this contract that if there is a financial loss to the state, they will be held responsible,” Mr Mahama warned.

His statement follows a call by the Minority in Parliament earlier this week, urging the Ghana National Gas Company to submit the $800 million gas processing contract to Parliament for proper scrutiny.

He continued further that the NPP government is avoiding sending the new energy contract to Parliament because they have set up a Ghanaian company and made it look like an international company as a front for signing the dubious contract, which will cause Ghana a financial loss.