The General Transport Petroleum Chemical Workers Union (GTPCWU) has urged President John Dramani Mahama to form an independent and non-partisan committee to assess the actions and performance of the recently dissolved Board of Directors of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR).
GTPCWU National Chairman, Bernard Owusu, raised concerns about the activities of the former TOR Board, alleging significant shortcomings and decisions influenced by personal interests.
He noted that during the board’s tenure, only a few members—Mr. Apenteng, Mrs. Sapara Grant, and Mr. Ato Morisson—actively participated in the decision-making processes.
“Being a public institution, TOR holds significant importance to the nation. The Board of Directors must be held accountable for all decisions that had adverse financial consequences, which were proven to be driven by personal interest”.
Bernard Owusu, GTPCWU National Chairman
The union also accused the dissolved board of engaging individuals and affiliates linked to the previous government in several non-transparent transactions, which it argued compromised the integrity and credibility of the institution.
These actions, according to the union, raised concerns about the board’s commitment to ethical governance and transparency.
Accordingly, the National Chairman, Bernard Owusu, stressed that an independent and impartial review of the board’s activities is essential to uncover the extent of these alleged irregularities.
He added that such an investigation would help restore public trust in the management of the Tema Oil Refinery and ensure adherence to sound governance principles and financial accountability.
Owusu further highlighted that implementing robust oversight mechanisms would be critical to preventing similar lapses in the future and maintaining the refinery’s long-term credibility and efficiency.
Probe Into Alleged Negligence in Partnership Deals Demanded
Furthermore, the GTPCWU highlighted specific areas that the proposed independent committee should thoroughly investigate, including the alleged negligence in partnership agreements.
The union pointed out that the board attempted to engage Decimal Capital-VITOL in a joint partnership, even though VITOL had issued a written communication to the Ministry of Energy clearly disassociating itself from the arrangement.
This, according to the union, raises significant concerns about the board’s due diligence and decision-making processes.
Another issue is the irregular incorporation of entities. The union accused the board of allowing the creation of Torentco Asset Management Limited, a special-purpose vehicle established by Decimal Capital shareholders.
This entity, the union claimed, was deliberately set up to obscure structural irregularities, further undermining transparency and accountability within the refinery’s operations.
The GTPCWU emphasized that addressing these issues through a detailed investigation is critical to restoring trust and ensuring the Tema Oil Refinery adheres to principles of good governance and financial integrity.
“Collusion in forming Tema Energy and Processing Limited: Alleged collaboration between the TOR Board, Mr. Michael Darko, Mr. Christopher Hesse-Tetteh, and certain compromised TOR workers to incorporate Tema Energy and Processing Limited. This included creating the TOR Workers Charity Trust without the knowledge or approval of TOR management and workers.
“Questionable promotions and reassignments: Promotions granted to five workers involved in the TOR Workers Charity Trust and the removal or reassignment of competent managers who resisted manipulation”.
General Transport Petroleum Chemical Workers Union (GTPCWU)
The union also emphasized the need for a thorough examination of the processes involved in the Request for Proposal (RFP) and subsequent agreements with NETOLL.
Additionally, the National Chairman, Bernard Owusu, strongly condemned acts of thuggery within the petroleum and energy sector.
He called on President Mahama to instruct law enforcement agencies to investigate and apprehend those responsible for attacks on institutions such as the Bui Power Authority, Ghana Gas, BOST, and the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR).
“The establishment of this independent committee will safeguard public trust and demonstrate the government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance”.
Bernard Owusu, GTPCWU National Chairman
The GTPCWU reaffirmed its appeal for prompt action to hold individuals accountable for any irregularities and to safeguard the country’s vital energy sector institutions from further damage.
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