John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has issued a stern warning to President Akufo-Addo regarding the signing of an $800 million gas processing contract.
Mahama cautioned that signing this contract without proper parliamentary approval could lead to significant financial losses for the state in the future.
During a community engagement at Town Council Line on September 28, Mahama emphasized the importance of presenting the contract to Parliament for approval. He suggested that the government’s rush to sign the deal is driven by self-interest, as they near the end of their term in office.
Mahama underscored the long-term implications of the contract, which could bind the country for years, and cautioned that those responsible would be held accountable if the state suffered financial losses.
Mahama’s concerns were sparked by allegations from Minority Spokesperson on Energy, John Jinapor, who claimed that the CEO of Ghana National Gas is being pressured by the presidency to approve the contract without proper legislative scrutiny. Jinapor revealed that the initial tender with Phoenix had suspiciously transformed into an SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle) to evade parliamentary scrutiny.
The former president criticized the government’s eight-year lack of investment in producing more gas, questioning the sudden hurry to sign the contract. He accused officials of seeking personal gains, emphasizing that the $800 million contract requires transparency.
Mahama assured that his government would monitor the situation and hold accountable anyone responsible for financial losses. He vowed to counter any actions that don’t serve the best interests of Ghanaians, promising accountability under his presidency.
“I have promised the people of Ghana not just jobs and prosperity but also accountability,” Mahama said. “You can be assured that under the Mahama presidency, acts that are not in the interest of the good people of this country will not be allowed to proceed.”
The Minority’s concerns and Mahama’s warnings highlight the need for accountability and transparency in Ghana’s gas sector contracts. This contract is not just a business deal; it has the potential to impact the nation’s financial stability.
Ghana has faced financial losses due to poorly managed contracts in the past, including a botched gas deal with Nigeria that resulted in a $10 million penalty. Mahama’s warning serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability.
The $800 million gas processing contract has sparked intense debate, with many calling for caution and thorough scrutiny. As the nation approaches elections, this contract has become a critical issue.
Mahama’s stance on this issue aligns with his promise to prioritize accountability and transparency in government dealings. He has made it clear that those responsible for financial losses will face prosecution, ensuring that the interests of Ghanaians are protected.
