The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has issued a stern warning concerning a controversial contract signed by Ghana Gas with Tema Gas and Power Limited (TGGL), denouncing the deal as marred by corruption and nepotism.
The contract, referred to as the GPP2 agreement, according to the opposition National Democratic Congress raised serious concerns over procedural transparency and adherence to due legal processes.
In a public statement signed by Hon. Edward Abambire Bawa, Member of Parliament for Bongo and co-spokesperson for the NDC Manifesto on Energy, the party revealed that the Ghana Gas agreement with TGGL was signed by Dr Ben Asante and witnessed by Robert Lartey.
According to the NDC, the deal was finalized despite Ghana Gas’ inability to secure a wet gas offtake agreement from any of the country’s oil fields, a critical requirement for the effective execution of the project.
This oversight, the party claimed, further calls into question the credibility of the contract.
“The signing of the contract was done in deliberate avoidance of parliamentary scrutiny, as required by law,” the statement stressed, underscoring the breach of the legal framework meant to ensure transparency and accountability in such agreements.
Lack of Parliamentary Approval and Allegations of Nepotism
The NDC accused the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) government of deliberately bypassing the mandatory parliamentary approval process, a move the opposition deems illegal and reflective of deep-seated corruption within the current administration.
The NDC’s statement pointedly highlighted alleged acts of nepotism, accusing the Akufo-Addo government of facilitating the involvement of cronies and family members in the deal.
The party contended that such practices undermine public trust and damage Ghana’s reputation in the international community.
“The deal reeks of nepotism, involving cronies and family members of President Akufo-Addo,” Hon. Edward Abambire Bawa emphasized, adding that it would not sit idly by while the interests of the country are jeopardized by “backdoor deals.”
In an earlier statement, former President John Dramani Mahama had also raised concerns about the government entering into any new energy contracts without full disclosure and scrutiny.
He cautioned the Akufo-Addo-led government against signing contracts that could further burden the nation’s already strained energy sector, calling for more transparency in all energy-related deals.
Former President and Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama vowed to investigate the controversial $800 million gas processing contract being pursued by the Akufo-Addo government in the final months of its tenure.
Former President Mahama expressed strong concerns about the contract during a public address, stating, “At this late stage of your government, you should not be busy signing contracts that will bind this nation for many years.”
He emphasized that such deals should first be presented to Parliament for scrutiny, arguing that there is no immediate necessity for the gas processing project.
Addressing those involved in the deal, former President Mahama warned that they would be held accountable if the contract resulted in financial losses for the state.
The former President, who is campaigning to return to power, reiterated his commitment to accountability and transparency, promising that his government would scrutinize any agreements that do not serve the best interests of Ghanaians.
Former President Mahama’s comments have now been echoed by Hon. Edward Abambire Bawa, asserting that when the party return to power, it will review the GPP2 contract in its entirety.
According to Hon. Edward Bawa, the NDC will not hesitate to ensure that anyone found culpable of engaging in misconduct in relation to the contract faces the full force of the law.
“We will review this shady contract and ensure that those responsible for any misconduct face the full force of the law. Ghana deserves transparency, not backdoor deals,” the NDC stated firmly.
The opposition party has since launched a nationwide campaign under the slogans #SayNoToCorruption and #OperationRecoverAllLoot, signalling its intention to scrutinize and possibly overturn contracts it believes were improperly signed under the NPP government.
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