NDC MP backs K.K. Sarpong

Member of Parliament for Ashaiman Ernest Norgbey has said the chief executive officer of the Ghana National Petroleum Commission (GNPC) Dr. K.K Sarpong is facing pushback from the board chairman of the company because he is trying to sanitise the place.

Board chair of GNPC Freddie Blay, who is also chairman of the governing NPP, have been exchanging words over who has the right to recruit a procurement officer for the company.

In a letter addressed to the Energy Minister, the CEO accused Mr. Blay of interfering in his job.

“It is clear to me that, you are using your position as chairman of the ruling party to force your way through on matters which must be handled professionally. I will humbly advice that you desist from issuing out instructions to my subordinates and rather deal with me as chief executive,” part of the letter read.

Speaking to Morning Starr Monday, the legislator said GNPC appointments and operations have been overly politicised by the Akufo-Addo government.

“The GNPC staff seeks medical attention from Mediland hospital when they are not well because the hospital belongs to the husband of the finance officer of GNPC. K.K.Sarpong wants to bring some sanity into GNPC. He has taken the right steps in handling the procurement process,” he told Francis Abban.

Also contributing to the discussion, IMANI President Franklin Cudjoe said the development is not surprising.

“This administration has has quite a number of procurement battles and personally, I’m not so surprised with what is happening at the GNPC. We don’t have enough procurement persons in the country, instead, we have more purchase and supply professionals.

“Anything that has been said to be strategic has been a cash cow. How many times have we seen the books of GNPC? How many times? There are some good people at the GNPC but there are still questions that need answers”.