President Kufuor Blasts Chief Of Staff

OPERATION “SAVE GHANA AIRWAYS FROM COLLAPSE” … KUFUOR BLASTS CHIEF OF STAFF - BOARD GIVEN A WEEK’S ULTIMATUM
President John Kufuor is reported to have rapped Chief of Staff, Kwadwo Mpiani for what is described as interference in the administration of the beleaguered national carrier, Ghana Airways. At a meeting with the Board of Directors of the airline last Friday at the Osu Castle, President Kufuor is reported to have expressed angst with trusted aide Kwadwo Mpiani for various acts of interference, and for also being kept in the dark about events concerning the airline.

This follows an accusation made against the Chief of Staff by some members of the Board at the meeting. Sources close to the meeting said the Ghanair Board members were not happy with the fact that the Chief of Staff directed at least one senior staff of Ghana Airways who was directed by the William Panford Bray administration to proceed on leave resume work, contrary to that of management’s directive.

Sources close to the meeting said the President was not happy about this and several other developments about the airline that were supposed to have been brought to his attention but which never arrived on his desk, somehow.

The Ghanair Board members were also reported to have told the President about their displeasure with government interference with the airline – a known fact that has nevertheless contributed in no small measure to the cash flow problems facing the airline.

Attempts to reach the Chief of Staff on the matter proved futile. The Ghanair Chief Executive, Philip Owusu confirmed the meeting with President Kufuor, but shied away from confirming that the President rapped the Chief of Staff.