The Minority in Parliament has warned the Chief Executive Officer and, by extension, the board of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) not to be coerced by the Presidency in signing a $431.5 million loan deal without parliamentary approval.
According to the Ranking Member on the Mines and Energy Committe, John Abdulai Jinapor, a meeting was held on Tuesday, September 14 in the presence of some key government officials including the Finance Minister and Chief of Staff for GNPC to enter the loan agreement.
The agreement is with LukOil International Trading and Supply Company, also known as LITASCO SA.
Mr Jinapor told journalists that GNPC had brought the deal, then worth $620 million, to Parliament.
“Parliament was explicit, Parliament was clear that GNPC should lay the terms of the conditions of this loan agreement in accordance with Article 181 so that Parliament will consider same and make a determination,” he said.
The Yapei Kusawgu Member of Parliament (MP), however, disclosed that documents he has chanced upon are pointing to a connivance between the Presidency and GNPC to have the loan deal signed without approval by Parliament.
“This is unconstitutional, this is unlawful and this is a blatant disregard to the directive and resolution of Parliament.”
He warned GNPC against any coercion from the Presidency.
“I, therefore, want to call on the GNPC Chief Executive and the board that if you proceed with this directive you will committing an illegality.
“You do not have that mandate and that power to enter into such an agreement without parliamentary approval.”