Former President John Mahama has warned that any individual responsible for causing financial loss to the state over a new $800 million gas processing contract will face prosecution.
During his tour of the Greater Accra Region, Mahama highlighted that the contract requires parliamentary approval, given its significant value. He cautioned that if the contract is not presented before Parliament, a future National Democratic Congress (NDC) government will ensure those involved are held accountable for any financial loss to the state.
“This week, our spokesperson on energy, John Jinapor, raised concerns about a contract they want to sign with Ghana Gas for the second gas trade. For eight years, this government has not invested in additional gas, so why are they suddenly in a hurry to sign this contract? It’s because they want to take their 10%, and even if it takes five years for the gas to come, they don’t care,” Mahama said.
He further warned, “We are cautioning everyone involved in this contract. If there is any financial loss to the state, they will be held responsible. A contract of this value—$800 million—must go through parliamentary approval. But to avoid this, they’ve set up a weak Ghanaian company as a front, claiming it’s an international deal. We are watching them closely, and if there is financial loss, those involved will be held accountable.”
Mahama’s remarks follow calls from the Minority in Parliament for the Ghana National Gas Company to submit the contract to Parliament for scrutiny.
John Jinapor, the Minority Spokesperson on Energy, alleged that there is pressure on the Chief Executive of Ghana Gas to sign the contract without proper parliamentary review. “The Minority has become aware of attempts by the Flagstaff House to compel the Chief Executive of Ghana Gas to sign a gas processing contract worth over $800 million,” Jinapor stated.
He added, “The initial tender was for a company called Phoenix. Strangely, that company has now transformed into an SPV to bypass parliamentary scrutiny.”
The Minority has insisted that the contract be reviewed by Parliament to ensure transparency and prevent financial loss to the state.