Energy Ministry Asked to Dissolve NPA Fact-finding Committee 
 
The Chief of Staff, Prosper Bani, has directed the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum to dissolve the committee inaugurated to investigate the National Petroleum Authority’s (NPA) $63,000 a month office building.
 
This was contained in a statement issued in Accra and signed by the  office of the President and copied to the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC).

According to the statement, the Chief of Staff asked the Ministry to direct the Authority not to renew their rent agreement at the end of the current tenure, adding that “the Presidency is reviewing the approval processes that went into the decision to commit state funds to rent an office when the upfront payment involved could have completed a permanent office building for the NPA.” 
 
The statement further said the Chief of Staff has also cautioned other state-owned entities and their boards against decisions and actions that are not in the national interest and at variance with the principles and vision of His Excellency the President.

Background:

It may recalled that a former Chief Executive of the National Petroleum Authority, Alex Mould reportedly authorised the  controversial deal to paying out 63,000 dollars a month for the Authority’s rented offices at East Legon.

The report said NPA signed the deal after the Authority’s Board, chaired at the time by Kojo Fynn, gave the clearance to Mr. Mould to enter into the transaction. 

In all, the NPA paid a year’s advance to the owner of the building as part of the transaction. 

Following the revelation, the sector Minister, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah assured the public that the Ministry will get to the bottom of the matter.


Below Is The Full Statement:

PRESS RELEASE	
 
Energy Ministry asked to dissolve 
NPA fact-finding Committee 
 
 
Accra, Ghana- June 29, 2014: The Chief of Staff, Prosper Bani, has directed the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum to dissolve the committee inaugurated to investigate the National Petroleum Authority’s (NPA) $63,000 a month office building. 
 
The 5-member Committee, according to the Ministry, was tasked with 
investigating among others the circumstances that led to the renting of the new offices and whether the cost per month was appropriate. 
 
Making reference to the Ministry’s earlier statement on the NPA decision, Mr. Bani asked the Ministry to direct the Authority not to renew their rent 
agreement at the end of the current tenure, adding that “the Presidency is reviewing the approval processes that went into the decision to commit state funds to rent an office when the upfront payment involved could have completed a permanent office building for the NPA.” 
 
The Chief of Staff has also cautioned other state-owned entities and their boards against decisions and actions that are not in the national interest and at variance with the principles and vision of His Excellency the President.


GBC