Former New Patriotic Party (NPP) General Secretary, John Boadu, has expressed concern over the arrest and detention of Dr. Edwin Alfred Provencal, the former Managing Director of the Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company Limited (BOST).
Mr. Boadu revealed that Dr. Provencal was detained at Kotoka International Airport on Monday, November 10, 2025, while preparing to board a flight to Maputo for an official engagement.
He noted that Dr. Provencal’s name had been placed on a flight watchlist since October 8, though the former BOST MD was reportedly unaware of it.
Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Boadu stressed the importance of following lawful procedures, while affirming the NPP’s commitment to accountability and the rule of law.
“We in the NPP are not saying that those found culpable should avoid the law. But due process must be respected,” he said.
The arrest follows a forensic risk assessment by policy think tank IMANI Africa, which reported governance failures and fiscal losses in the Gold-for-Oil initiative. The report, supported by oversight institutions, recommended urgent prosecutions and recovery of misappropriated funds.
IMANI’s findings highlighted issues with pricing controls, preferential access, structural loopholes, and the lack of formal contracts between the Bank of Ghana and the Precious Minerals Marketing Company, which it suggested facilitated smuggling.
Dr. Provencal, however, has rejected claims of systemic fraud, insisting the programme adhered to strict transparency and corporate governance standards.
Mr. Boadu also clarified that allegations of financial misconduct should not be linked to the NPP.
“If someone is accused of embezzling funds, those actions did not finance the NPP or the party’s operations,” he said. “They may have funded a candidate or constituency, but not the party’s daily running.”
He further raised concerns about freezing suspects’ accounts during investigations, cautioning that it could limit access to legal representation.
“Legal services are not free. If accounts are frozen, how can one access funds for a defense?” he asked.
John Boadu urged authorities to ensure transparency and fairness throughout the process, emphasizing that following proper procedures is essential to maintain public trust in the justice system.
