Lawyers for Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, the Board Chairman of Ghana National Gas Company Limited (GNGCL) and Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin Central Constituency, have refuted his involvement in a US$900 million deal being discussed in the media.
They also denied allegations that he was set to gain US$50 million from the alleged deal, asserting that there was no US$900 million transaction pending before Ghana Gas, as reported in The Herald’s publication on July 5, 2024, and circulated across multiple online and social media platforms.
Interestingly, in a letter signed by Raphael Agyapong, Mr. Agyapong’s lawyers neither confirmed nor denied the alleged boardroom dispute between him and Ghana Gas CEO Dr. Ben Asante, during which he reportedly called the CEO “stupid.”
In a follow-up article last Friday, The Herald detailed recent events at GNGCL, highlighting serious accusations against Dr. Asante, who allegedly entered into multi-million-dollar agreements without the board’s authorization.
Reports indicated that some of these agreements were backdated to De0cember 2024, raising significant concerns among board members, particularly Chairman Mr. Agyapong.
When these agreements were presented for board approval, Mr. Agyapong rejected them, citing possible criminal implications.
Despite this, employees at Ghana Gas Company have backed Dr. Asante, opposing Mr. Agyapong.
Interestingly, following the reports published by The Herald, Dr. Asante reportedly visited Mr. Agyapong’s residence to seek forgiveness in the presence of some of the board chairman’s relatives. Mr. Agyapong is believed to be seeking a meeting with President Nana Akufo-Addo to discuss the CEO’s behavior.
Dr. Asante is accused of allegedly trying to conceal his actions by spreading rumors and manipulating the media.
Earlier reports suggested that Mr. Agyapong faced resistance while pushing a multimillion-dollar deal at the last board meeting, raising concerns among employees and some board members about potential future criminal implications.
The situation escalated into a significant boardroom conflict over a contract worth nearly $900 million. Reports indicate a near physical altercation between Dr. Asante and Mr. Agyapong during a board meeting last Wednesday.
The Assin Central MP allegedly became enraged, slammed his hands on the board table, and used offensive language to insult the CEO.
Dr. Asante insisted on following strict procurement protocols, while Mr. Agyapong sought to bypass certain procedures.
The MP wanted to push the deal through with the CEO’s signature and address other issues later, which Dr. Asante rejected, further angering the board chairman.
Most board members sided with the CEO, much to Mr. Agyapong’s frustration, who reportedly stood to gain $50 million if the deal was approved. The workers’ union has also shown support for Dr. Asante in this matter.
The situation at GNGCL remains tense as the board deals with these allegations and the implications of the unauthorized agreements.
But in a rejoinder sent to The Herald late Friday evening, Mr Agyapong’s lawyer stated, “Our Client says that the said story also elaborates further to suggest that he has been at the centre of insisting on pushing the said illegal US$900 million deal in return for a US$50 million benefit in his favour as the Board Chairman of Ghana Gas Company.
“Firstly, our Client instructs us to inform the general public that the said story by The Herald newspaper is not only false but a calculated act to impugn his hard-earned incorruptible reputation, character and integrity. It is our Client’s case that there is no US$900 million contract which is subject matter before Ghana Gas Company board for discussion; let alone a benefit of US$50 million, as part of such a non-existent contract in his favour.
“Secondly, our Client says that the story by The Herald newspaper and also carried out by various online and social media platforms, can only be meant to demean his hard-earned reputation, create public dislike and disaffection against our Client in light of such difficult economic times in the country.
“It is our Client’s case that he is a known anti-corruption crusader and has, through his revelation of corruption cases involving both public and private individuals as well as institutions, saved the Republic a big deal of money thus our Client at no time will engage in any act of bribery or corruption against the interest of any individual let alone the Republic through Ghana Gas Company.
“We have our Client’s firm instructions to serve you notice, and notice is hereby served for you and your newspaper to retract and apologise for the said publication within fourteen (14) days upon service of this letter, failing which our Client shall be advised accordingly.