Tsatsu used drill ship like 'Tro tro'

Read Article

Comments (100)

This article is closed for comments.

Read Comments Comments (100)

NAKED 10 years ago

Good one there at least I have seen a sensible person who can reason and think, first and foremost, what is education at all? In a country where I come from, they defined education as anyone who can read and write English lan ...
read full comment

Good one there at least I have seen a sensible person who can reason and think, first and foremost, what is education at all? In a country where I come from, they defined education as anyone who can read and write English language that is how they defined education in Ghana. A country where a lot of people look down upon those who can't speak and write English language do you think such country can develop no wonder Ghana is a country with good resources but the citizens are mentally weak unable to think and reason as well, they are still slaves to the so-called Europeans. They are still colonized mentally and physically but the reason is that they don't know that they are still under colonization. So in s nutshell that is how illiteracy is defined in Ghana. Then one may ask that how about the countries who are using their own language to study are they illiterates? a country like France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Finland, Norway, China etc can we classify their education system as substandard because they are not using English language to teach in their institutions? Africans will always embraced everything from west and east without thinking deep and its side effect in the future and we hate our own things so tell me are we humans? We always lionize the oppressors and disowned ours and we called ourselves educational elites now listen to a proverb from Europeans to Africans “you can take a monkey from bush but you can't take bush from monkey" how are we going to interpret it? it's simple to Europeans, Africa is bush let's see how they describe Africa they use the word Sub-Saharan and the question is do we have sub-Europeans or sub-Asians or sub-Americans, etc look how they have cited Africa in a World map, Africa as a continent is always at the bottom of the World map, the question is why they didn't cite Europe, Asia, America and Australia at the bottom but only Africa think about it brothers and sisters, the proverb means an African a monkey can come to western or eastern country to study or do anything but because he/she is from Africa you can't take Africa mentality from him or her then the stereotype goes, they are less humans, they don't have food to eat, always fighting among themselves etc so why Africans shouldn't cling to their own and abandoned their stupid act but yet still Africans are upholding their language and their barbaric culture, 500 years we are still slaves so when are we going to emancipate ourselves as a people created by YHWH.
The time has come for Africans to come together as one people and put their difference away and unit as people it has been a long time in slavery and colonization. The time has come for Ghanaians to put away their difference and unit to develop their nation it has been a long time in slavery and colonization.
God of our fathers have mercy on us especially banana republic of Ghana. Ghana, Ghana a country with good resources I had wanted to gather my people under one canopy as hen gathered it chicks but my people have abandoned their wisdom through thinking and now following the way of westerners through their devilcracy which is called democracy so now my people cannot be able to manage their own affairs, my people do not appreciate things manufactured in their country, my people preach devilcracy and practice vices, my people preach patriotism but they are not patriotic, my people have lost their sense of judging and now we are in a doom state they can't differentiate good things from bad ones and now engulf with tribalism which has become a canker in the country through bogus so-called educational elites and stomachticians who called themselves as politicians to separate the people in other not to come together to fight against their evil planning. A voice calling from within shouting my people, my people come together to build your nation we were created in the same image not let this stomachticians separate you they are doing it for their own selfish gain so wise up, awake from your slumber, the day is far spent and the night is near so let's ignore all these tribalism stuffs and come together as one people because together we can build a better nation.
The only way Africans can develop is to use their own language to study and do everything and stop patronizing anything from east or west, a small country like Ghana we can’t develop it why? Because we have pseudo intellectuals who always claims that they are the best but in reality they are at the bottom of the pit, our education system is not good, our education system does not allow us to think inside and out outside the box so for Ghana to develop it needs critical thinkers and nature incliners who can put things together other than that it will take millions of years we will still be where we are. Anyone who wants to study Nature University can contact me wellsbrains2000@yahoo.com, whatspp 008613566124757 when you contact me tell me which my article that you are interested so we can discuss it deeply because I have presented numerous articles on this web
OLD SOLDIER 10 years ago

When Kwaku Baako informed us about the atrocities of Kwesi Pratt during PNDC Regime, some of us did not believe until the truth was confirmed during the NRC. Kwesi Pratt is the most dangerous Journalist Ghana had ever have, h ...
read full comment

When Kwaku Baako informed us about the atrocities of Kwesi Pratt during PNDC Regime, some of us did not believe until the truth was confirmed during the NRC. Kwesi Pratt is the most dangerous Journalist Ghana had ever have, he had the gut to recommend his fellow journalists to be executed by PNDC. Pratt even recommended Baako to be killed by the regime, thank God Baako was instead touchered violently and severely but his life was spared. This is what Kwesi Pratt can do. Now Pratt is a secret agent to NDC and US Embassy in Ghana. May God forgive Pratt and spare him the untold evils that will come upon him and his generations. The souls of those journalist killed through Pratt's recommendations to PNDC will never forgive Pratt. Now Pratt has the guts to take Diplomatic Passport and smuggled his weak-headed children to work at the Ministries under Mills NDC, may God forgive Pratt and his dependance and spare them of the evils ahead of them...
NANAO!! MOTHER 10 years ago

Tsatsu the Tro tro driver.The Corrupt majestic,evil man is exposed.

Tsatsu the Tro tro driver.The Corrupt majestic,evil man is exposed.
Mactonto 10 years ago

What is his crime? For exposing a crime?

What is his crime? For exposing a crime?
Togbui 10 years ago

Mahama promised 200 SHS in 4 years (50 SHS every year) for us to vote for him!!! WHERE ARE WE?? NOT EVEN 1 SHS HAS BEEN BUILT!! And you think we are fools eh?? Come again for campaign in 2016 ok? KWASIA!!!!!!!!!!

Mahama promised 200 SHS in 4 years (50 SHS every year) for us to vote for him!!! WHERE ARE WE?? NOT EVEN 1 SHS HAS BEEN BUILT!! And you think we are fools eh?? Come again for campaign in 2016 ok? KWASIA!!!!!!!!!!
SGT ANANI FIADZOE 10 years ago

President Kuffour is too linient, he should have left this NDC criminal to rot at the Nsawam Prisons.

It is this kind of Prfesident Kuffour's gestures that has been left
to increase thievery, loot and share NDC bunch of c ...
read full comment

President Kuffour is too linient, he should have left this NDC criminal to rot at the Nsawam Prisons.

It is this kind of Prfesident Kuffour's gestures that has been left
to increase thievery, loot and share NDC bunch of criminals, corruption,
criminalities to be increased in our country.
DusTY-FooT-pHiloSophER 10 years ago

Here we go again with the usual Daily Guide’s twist, turn, somersaulting and spin to suit their pay master's agenda over what is apparently clear to all and sundry. So, according to this so-called M.K. Tawiah the drill ship ...
read full comment

Here we go again with the usual Daily Guide’s twist, turn, somersaulting and spin to suit their pay master's agenda over what is apparently clear to all and sundry. So, according to this so-called M.K. Tawiah the drill ship was used as 'trotro' by the Tsatsu led GNPC administration, who in his power chartered the Discoverer 511 (D511) to foreign companies including the firm that sold the ship to the corporation for drilling exercises in other countries, right?

Now, this so-called M.K. Tawiah exclusively divulged this hard to come by information to the unscrupulous Daily Guide outfit and yet failed to mention just one country that benefited from this going around the globe 'trotro' drill ship? How convincing? One pressing question though is, what is the M.K. attached to the Tawiah in here stands for? Since, it would be appreciative for us to know the full name of this so-called engineer we're talking about in here, wouldn't we? Moreover, could somebody please tell the daily Guide that both North Sea Pioneer and the Asterie do not and I repeat, do not belong to our GNPC outfit in any way whatsoever. They never were and they never will be, period. The North Sea Pioneer was used in drilling the Saltpond oil field and that was about it.

Now, details of the two ships below. Acquaint yourself with it, folks.

RIG DATA: NORTH SEA PIONEER

Rig Name:………… North SEA Pioneer
Rig Manager:……… Hamilton
Rig Owner:………… Transworld
Competitive Rig:…… No
Rig Type:…………... Semisub
Semisub Generation:
Rig Design:…………. TRANSWORLD
Rated Water Depth:… 600 ft
Drilling Depth:……... 20,000 ft

Classification:
Rig Design:…………… TRANSWORLD
Shipyard:…………….. Nederlandsche Dok; Amsterdam Netherlands; International
Delivery Year:………… 1966
Flag:……………………. UK

ASTERIE
IMO: 7347988
Call Sign:
DWT:
Build: 1975
Ship Type: …….Drillship
Flag: …..Angolan
Ship spotting: …….Angolan oil field.
MENSAH 10 years ago

Keaku Baako says,TSATSU defended the FRENCH COMPANY who claimed US$40 MILLION against GHANA.
But the same guy is now calling The former President KUFOUR,of being the collector for the the same FRENCH COMPANY.
The said,marin ...
read full comment

Keaku Baako says,TSATSU defended the FRENCH COMPANY who claimed US$40 MILLION against GHANA.
But the same guy is now calling The former President KUFOUR,of being the collector for the the same FRENCH COMPANY.
The said,marine engineer,knows what you and I did not know.
So let's stay put for what is coming to light,on the discovery D511.
WE ARE NOW DISCOVERING LOTS WE DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT THE "DISCOVERY D511"
TONY- C 10 years ago

TSATSU TSIKATA- YOU SEE WHAT I HAVE BEEN SAYING ALWAYS. YOU WILL GO TO JAIL AGAIN.THE TRUTH WILL COME OUT AND YOU AND YOUR MASTER J.J.RAWLINGS WILL HAVE TO FACE GHANAIANS. THE TRUTH WILL COME OUT AND WHERE IS THE MONEY YOU SA ...
read full comment

TSATSU TSIKATA- YOU SEE WHAT I HAVE BEEN SAYING ALWAYS. YOU WILL GO TO JAIL AGAIN.THE TRUTH WILL COME OUT AND YOU AND YOUR MASTER J.J.RAWLINGS WILL HAVE TO FACE GHANAIANS. THE TRUTH WILL COME OUT AND WHERE IS THE MONEY YOU SAID YOU MADE FROM THE DRILL SHIP.NDC YOUR STUPIDITY AND GREED COMING OUT.COMMENTS SHOULD COME FROM SENSIBLE AND EDUCATED PEOPLE. PLEASE CHECK THESE THINGS.
LARYEAH 10 years ago

TONY, IS IMPORTANT HOW MUCH THE INDIANS, MEXICANS, AND THE AMERICAS PAID FOR USING THE DRILL SHIP. THE JUDGEMENT DEPT COMMISSION SHOULD START ASKING TSIKATA REAL QUESTIONS.

TONY, IS IMPORTANT HOW MUCH THE INDIANS, MEXICANS, AND THE AMERICAS PAID FOR USING THE DRILL SHIP. THE JUDGEMENT DEPT COMMISSION SHOULD START ASKING TSIKATA REAL QUESTIONS.
KOLA, LONDON PROPER 10 years ago

A marine engineer my foot. what does a marine engine know about ship mechanics?

What is preventing Tawiah from presenting himself to the sole commissioner?

A marine engineer my foot. what does a marine engine know about ship mechanics?

What is preventing Tawiah from presenting himself to the sole commissioner?
RP 10 years ago

what does a marine engine know about ship mechanics?

what do you know? or beter, what does tsikata a lawyer know.

it is clear that the ship was could not be used in ghana water. so it was of no use.

renting a drils ...
read full comment

what does a marine engine know about ship mechanics?

what do you know? or beter, what does tsikata a lawyer know.

it is clear that the ship was could not be used in ghana water. so it was of no use.

renting a drilship is cheaper
Prof 10 years ago

Ghana is not worth serving in any capacity. Ingrates, hypocrites, backbitters, evil people reside in that country. Look at a man who helped find GNPC in early 1980 where we had no experts in oil drilling and exploration.

W ...
read full comment

Ghana is not worth serving in any capacity. Ingrates, hypocrites, backbitters, evil people reside in that country. Look at a man who helped find GNPC in early 1980 where we had no experts in oil drilling and exploration.

With a vision to find oil for his country and for his country to keep the oil wholly, he went on a journey. Which of these guys will even think of buying a drill ship instead of busily chopping our money.

If Nkrumah was persecuted for building Akosombo dam, why wont Tsatsu be persecetud. We now have a poilticaly coloured ingrate telling us the ship was no good. If the ship was scrap, why did companies hire it for their explorations? Why were we able to sell it in a twinkle of an eye? EVIL IS WHAT RESIDES IN THE MIND OF THIS SO-CALLED ENGINEER.

Is the ship not still working for those who bought it from us? If it was scrap, why is it still working. You think those who ought it were stupid to buy scrap for 24 million?
SIR JOHN THE FOOL 10 years ago

Very soon we shall see who was the real tro-tro driver and his mates so don't worry at all.

Very soon we shall see who was the real tro-tro driver and his mates so don't worry at all.
Obeng Rago - 10 years ago

Who was the President of Ghana at the time of this OIL Drill saga? Answer - John Jeremiah

Rawlings!!! I THEREFORE ASK HIM THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

Was J J Rawlings aware of the loan deal between Tsatsu led GNPC and a ...
read full comment

Who was the President of Ghana at the time of this OIL Drill saga? Answer - John Jeremiah

Rawlings!!! I THEREFORE ASK HIM THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

Was J J Rawlings aware of the loan deal between Tsatsu led GNPC and a French Bank Societe Generale? What was the loan for? Was Rawlings made aware of the reason TT collected such large sums of money from a Foreign Bank? Was Rawlings informed that the country's Oil Drill Ship was being used as a Guarantee or mortgage to collect a loan of $40 Million Dollars? Was the said French Loan given to Tsatsu Tsikata used for the purpose for which the loan was taken? Is there any evidence J J Rawlings or TT can show Ghanaians about the use of this loan facility? Did J J Rawlings ask Tsatsu Tsikata how he was going to pay the loan, and when he defaulted, askED again, how he was going to repay the loan? Was J J Rawlings a nyebro in this matter, where he connived and colluded with Tsatsu Tsikata to defraud the French Bank of monies belonging to the bank customers? Did J J Rawlings benefit directly from the loan from French bank? Has the Oil Drill ship saga exposed J J Rawlings as an irresponsible President who could not look after the assets of the country?
KKO 10 years ago

Here is someone who knows about the D511. Can Tsatsu and his NDC apologetics challenge Mr Tawiah? The people that have to be jailed are those who bought it in the first place. Remember Dr Quaah telling the Sole Commissioner ...
read full comment

Here is someone who knows about the D511. Can Tsatsu and his NDC apologetics challenge Mr Tawiah? The people that have to be jailed are those who bought it in the first place. Remember Dr Quaah telling the Sole Commissioner that "those marine assets were useless and that he wanted to sell of them?"

Mr Tawiah has confirmed it!
Repugnant. 10 years ago

In Ghana everything is politicized, if i were this engineer i will be very ashamed. What is wrong with chattering our drill ship to other countries to help pay for itself? This so called somaya engineer is very stupid, pseudo ...
read full comment

In Ghana everything is politicized, if i were this engineer i will be very ashamed. What is wrong with chattering our drill ship to other countries to help pay for itself? This so called somaya engineer is very stupid, pseudo education is a very fair assessment.
KOLA, LONDON PROPER 10 years ago

Ghanaians are not fools to accept what daily guide with low credibility to post here an empty story to attempt painting Tsikatas image black.

If this so Called Tawiah is real and brave, what is preventing him from presenti ...
read full comment

Ghanaians are not fools to accept what daily guide with low credibility to post here an empty story to attempt painting Tsikatas image black.

If this so Called Tawiah is real and brave, what is preventing him from presenting himself before the commission?

What is his point whether a bulk ship has been transformed into a drill ship or not?

Daily Toilet Guide can only please those illiterates from the BUSH.
RP 10 years ago

tsikatas image is already black because he is a selfmade criminal. tawiah does not have to ask to be invited, instead the sole commissioner has to invite him. but that will not happen because we all know what the purpose of t ...
read full comment

tsikatas image is already black because he is a selfmade criminal. tawiah does not have to ask to be invited, instead the sole commissioner has to invite him. but that will not happen because we all know what the purpose of this commission is
BROTHER OF REPUGNANT 10 years ago

WHEN IT DOES NOT WORTH IT?

WHEN IT DOES NOT WORTH IT?
WWW.GHANATVLIVE.NET 10 years ago

Free Internet tv streaming serving Ghanaians in the diaspora.
WWW.GHANATVLIVE.NET Brings You Live TV stations From Ghana.
GTV, TV3, GTV Sports+, Adom TV Live, Joy News TV Live,
Metro TV Ghana, e.tv And More.

Free Internet tv streaming serving Ghanaians in the diaspora.
WWW.GHANATVLIVE.NET Brings You Live TV stations From Ghana.
GTV, TV3, GTV Sports+, Adom TV Live, Joy News TV Live,
Metro TV Ghana, e.tv And More.
RP 10 years ago

who has to be ashamed is the sole commissioner for not inviting relevant persons who know about the ship. instead they are only looking for a way to bring ado in a bad spotlight.

who has to be ashamed is the sole commissioner for not inviting relevant persons who know about the ship. instead they are only looking for a way to bring ado in a bad spotlight.
abbas, london 10 years ago

dont allow ur self to be fooled, read between lines, the question is not about how the ship was used but who sold the ship and where is our money, let be a bit Ghanaian

dont allow ur self to be fooled, read between lines, the question is not about how the ship was used but who sold the ship and where is our money, let be a bit Ghanaian
Fernando 10 years ago

Daily Guide, you can be childish at times .The article does not make sense ,what has tro tro have to do with this?5

Daily Guide, you can be childish at times .The article does not make sense ,what has tro tro have to do with this?5
THE PATRIOT 10 years ago

Let's consider one key fact: To let one person travel abroad to value a ship, negotiate the sale, sign the sale contract, receive the sale proceeds and to go ahead to disburse the proceeds etc cannot be right!

As for the w ...
read full comment

Let's consider one key fact: To let one person travel abroad to value a ship, negotiate the sale, sign the sale contract, receive the sale proceeds and to go ahead to disburse the proceeds etc cannot be right!

As for the whereabouts of the balance, i.e. the infamous US$3.5m, is a residual issue bordering on plain theft we must deal with as a separate issue altogether.

Ghanaians politicise everything and end losing the essence of everything. We must look at this issue from the point of view of Ghana.
Ghanaba 10 years ago

So we have allowed this NDC to take our minds of GYEEDA, SUBA, WOYOME and the rest. Nobody is talking about the Merchant bank sale.This ship is in the past what about the ones happening now, what are we doing as a nation.If w ...
read full comment

So we have allowed this NDC to take our minds of GYEEDA, SUBA, WOYOME and the rest. Nobody is talking about the Merchant bank sale.This ship is in the past what about the ones happening now, what are we doing as a nation.If we want to go into the past then we wont move forward as a nation.All this must stop and we have to start from somewhere.This is just a political vindictiveness but the losers are the poor local people.
Observer 10 years ago

WHAT IS THE GENESIS? A PATRIOT SHOULD QUESTION WHY THE SHIP WAS ACQUIRED WHEN IT WAS NOT SUITABLE FOR DEEP SEA DRILLING. HOW THE DEBT TO SOCIETE GENERALE WAS INCURRED. WHY WAS THE SHIP USED AS COLATERAL. THE VALUER BEFORE SAL ...
read full comment

WHAT IS THE GENESIS? A PATRIOT SHOULD QUESTION WHY THE SHIP WAS ACQUIRED WHEN IT WAS NOT SUITABLE FOR DEEP SEA DRILLING. HOW THE DEBT TO SOCIETE GENERALE WAS INCURRED. WHY WAS THE SHIP USED AS COLATERAL. THE VALUER BEFORE SALE. HOW MUCH GHANA SAVED AND SO ON. DO NOT LOOK AT THE ISSUE WITH POLITICAL LENSES CALLING YOURSELF PATRIOT.
Dumega Prosper Jnr. 10 years ago

Any logic in what is being said!!!!
Tsatsu knows the value of the drill ship so he didn't sell it. In his wisdom, he was surprised that a whiole former president would act like a tax collector to the French company!!!

I t ...
read full comment

Any logic in what is being said!!!!
Tsatsu knows the value of the drill ship so he didn't sell it. In his wisdom, he was surprised that a whiole former president would act like a tax collector to the French company!!!

I think people run away from simple logic here!! Where is the remaining antional income derived from the abominable sale of a drill ship that we as Ghanaians need for more exploratoions"!!!! Short sighted and village and rusted minded politicians!! Sell the drill ship and use hand to prospect for oil??? Disgraceful leaders with black mind and black faces!! No wonder they wrestle hotels and bungalows!!
Where is the remaining amount??? After that JD commission must proble the extinction of the Ghana Airways!!!
The Ghana Telecom must follow!!
Then the hotel Wawawa!!!
Then we want to know how the assest of the Ghana Airways was shared among political cronies!!!
Victor A. Young 10 years ago

Hei Dumega don't attempt to insult anyone out of your ignorance. I hope you've read the article and understood the whole story. How do you justify Ghana holding on to such a ship with many problems esp. when Ghana was losing ...
read full comment

Hei Dumega don't attempt to insult anyone out of your ignorance. I hope you've read the article and understood the whole story. How do you justify Ghana holding on to such a ship with many problems esp. when Ghana was losing money for nothing. The Drill ship had become a liability instead of an asset to Ghana. This shouldn't be any tribal thing as you seem to be so obsessed about. Be civil in your contribution to this topic. Tsastu Tsikata didn't think the NDC would be out of office at anytime in his life and that's why he run GNPC wrecklessly. Thanks God his bottom has been exposed for all to see. Wonder how NDC could call people "tiiifs" while the indulge in the same crime that they accuse others of? Do you think your people have the authority or power to take Ghanaians for a ride or what? Just think twice.
JAK The Ripper 10 years ago

If the ship was that dilapidated (disused..., old... unusable...) then why did other companies pay so much for it...?

From what the marine engineer is alleging the ship was poorly MAINTAINED (they replaced bed sheets..laun ...
read full comment

If the ship was that dilapidated (disused..., old... unusable...) then why did other companies pay so much for it...?

From what the marine engineer is alleging the ship was poorly MAINTAINED (they replaced bed sheets..laundry items...)it is different the engine not working.. the ship was sailing around the world ..from Mexico to India.. that tells you that it was in excellent working condition. It only needed qualifies trained competent personnel to man and maintain it...

Let's think a bit....
JAK The Ripper 10 years ago

different from..... it only needed qualified trained...

different from..... it only needed qualified trained...
RP 10 years ago

before modificatieo the ship was designed for maximum waterdepth of apr 400m after the modification in 2009 maximum waterdepth is apr 700m.
jubilee oilfield liea at a waterdepht of 1100m tano oilfield at 1500m. the ship is f ...
read full comment

before modificatieo the ship was designed for maximum waterdepth of apr 400m after the modification in 2009 maximum waterdepth is apr 700m.
jubilee oilfield liea at a waterdepht of 1100m tano oilfield at 1500m. the ship is for use in shalow waters. stop the crap make your own clculations.
They Say They Say 10 years ago

FPSO was an old 500 million dollar ship which was converted into 3 billion dollar processing and floating storage tank. 511 drill ship could have been converted to drill at jubilee field. It's just a matter of replacing more ...
read full comment

FPSO was an old 500 million dollar ship which was converted into 3 billion dollar processing and floating storage tank. 511 drill ship could have been converted to drill at jubilee field. It's just a matter of replacing more powerful and high speed pumps,hydraulics,bigger derrick for more pipes and so forth. Bottom line is Ghana lost serious dollars and you guys are being played by these politicians while you loose sight the more important issue.
RP 10 years ago

huh???????? "511 drill ship could have been converted to drill at jubilee field. It's just a matter of replacing more powerful and high speed pumps,hydraulics,bigger derrick for more pipes and so forth. Bottom line is Ghana ...
read full comment

huh???????? "511 drill ship could have been converted to drill at jubilee field. It's just a matter of replacing more powerful and high speed pumps,hydraulics,bigger derrick for more pipes and so forth. Bottom line is Ghana lost serious dollars and you guys are being played by these politicians while you loose sight the more important issue." can you be a little more specific because i am at a lost.jubilee is at a depth of 1100m. there is no way this ship can be converted to a waterdepht of 1100m this has to do with the hull design
Dumega Prosper Jnr. 10 years ago

Civil, we are all Ghanaians!! We know the NPP guys before they took power in 2001 and disgracefully left with ill gotten wealth at the turn of 2008!!
What is there to it that Ghanaians don't know of those so-called "rich" po ...
read full comment

Civil, we are all Ghanaians!! We know the NPP guys before they took power in 2001 and disgracefully left with ill gotten wealth at the turn of 2008!!
What is there to it that Ghanaians don't know of those so-called "rich" political parachicks!! At a time when Ghana went under the excruciating HIPIC and reasonable people felt Ghana would have taken off on its road to self rediscovery!! The story after the demise of the political career of the NPP is nothing worth writing home about!!!

Please, the simple question being asked and which is deluding people today is who sold the Drill ship??
After having found the people , another easy going question was where is the rest of the money which is supposed to be $3.5m and you and I will be equally flabbergasted about the delay in getting to the evidence of how the rest of the money was sent into government chess!! Where are the documents before the Bank of Ghana cannot just trace it!! We haven't yet come to why they should even sell the Driller ship511?? If the technical men on the ground were ever consulted and the whole fictitious sale so far as being exposed so be it!!!
Mr. Victor A. Young, could you help these NPP "gurus" who sold the ship come out with the state money which belongs to you and me as far as we are concerned and bonarfide Ghanaian citizens!!

Aren't you aware when this confusion of how to trace the reimbursement of the remaining amount of $3.5m drillship saga has been on-going, a stupid statement from the office of the former head of state was impugning that when Kuffour was also invited to the Judgement Comission, then JJ Rawlings should also be invited??????????

Are we really serious as Ghanaians?? Why would calling JJ answer the question of where the remaing amount of the drill ship was reimbursed when the caller at that office knew JJ was then no more in power??
Efforts to whitewash everything with the political "omo" or "surf" (detergents) as we see today in Ghana will never ever go uncovered, man!! the question lingering and looming largely around is not about why they sold the ship!!! IT is simple and short!!! Where is the rest of the money?? This is not about hotel wawawa!! This is not about the outright purchase of a state bungalow?? It's not about NPP party surrogates who bought the La estates or the Ghana Airways property in Ghana, the US, in the UK and in Germany!! Its not about the shoddy deals of the shameful sale of the Ghana telecom!! Its about the remaining amount of money realised from the sale of a NATIONAL PROPERTY, drillership 511 and no more!!! We are yet to see another Mighty born of the Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah's type in Ghana!!
Bernard 10 years ago

These are just some of the criminal elements trying to divert attention away from the drillship saga engulfing Kufuor and administration. Two weeks ago, Dr. Arthur Kennedy predicted that those who were accusing President Mah ...
read full comment

These are just some of the criminal elements trying to divert attention away from the drillship saga engulfing Kufuor and administration. Two weeks ago, Dr. Arthur Kennedy predicted that those who were accusing President Mahama for not fighting corruption enough should not cry foul if he begins to wield the stick. Predictably, what did we see now. And instead of Kufuor, under whose administration, the drillship was sold under dubius circumstances offer constructive solutions to unravel this fraud, his answer was rather to accept responsibility only if Rawlings was to be invited as well as if Rawlings played any part in the sale of the drillship. This is a clear behaviour of a serial criminal. And this is a response from one Ghanaweb commentator, Venom healined: Lorgor Ligi Defence to Kufuor's call, Rawlings Must Also Be Hauled Over Drillship Sale: You see how guilt can be entangling and the truth muddled with petty excuses. Kufuor, your chance of proof of innocence should not be contigent upon the invitation of J. J Rawlings. Go out there if invited and your self defence will certainly robe in other actors. The call for ex- President Rawlings is needless for now. Rawlings invitation should have occured when Tsikata was being tried by the court and the subsequent imprisonment. These guys are cunningly dodging the bullet. J.J was not a party in the sale of the ship neither could he put up a defense of how rest of money was disbursed. All the same that will open the doors to full scale investigation of other corrupt practices too. Good news for Ghanaians. Let it play on. Finally, was it not the same hedging that landed Tsikata in jail that was undertaken by Sam Jonah, former CEO of Ashanti Goldfieds when he lost almost $300m to the state but was not jailed by Kufuor? Kufuor and NPP simply cannot much Tsikata's superior brain power, hence decided to jail him out of jealousy and inferiority complex. Simple.
Dumega Prosper Jnr. 10 years ago

Hi Bernard,
I cannot agree any more with you!!
Your critical analysis is been defied by these NPP surrogates!!

I wish they will investigate all the things and para-state organisations they sold to themselves as if they w ...
read full comment

Hi Bernard,
I cannot agree any more with you!!
Your critical analysis is been defied by these NPP surrogates!!

I wish they will investigate all the things and para-state organisations they sold to themselves as if they were clean!!! The time is now!!
These greedy guys sold Ghana Telecom shamelessly even though all Ghana's debts were written off under the HIPIC but the greed and how to get their hands and feet licked in fraud decided to sell Ghana Telecom single handedly!!
As if that was not enough, a whole sitting president aided his son to buy a hotel to the chagrin of Ghanaian poverty and frustrations of no job situation and for which innocent children on streets chasing people to buy their dog chains!!!

Then Ghana Airways was what they destroyed after the corporation had $2m in its account!!! More is yet to come!!!
Bernard 10 years ago

These are just some of the criminal elements trying to divert attention away from the drillship saga engulfing Kufuor and administration. Two weeks ago, Dr. Arthur Kennedy predicted that those who were accusing President Mah ...
read full comment

These are just some of the criminal elements trying to divert attention away from the drillship saga engulfing Kufuor and administration. Two weeks ago, Dr. Arthur Kennedy predicted that those who were accusing President Mahama for not fighting corruption enough should not cry foul if he begins to wield the stick. Predictably, what did we see now. And instead of Kufuor, under whose administration, the drillship was sold under dubius circumstances offer constructive solutions to unravel this fraud, his answer was rather to accept responsibility only if Rawlings was to be invited as well as if Rawlings played any part in the sale of the drillship. This is a clear behaviour of a serial criminal. And this is a response from one Ghanaweb commentator, Venom healined: Lorgor Ligi Defence to Kufuor's call, Rawlings Must Also Be Hauled Over Drillship Sale: You see how guilt can be entangling and the truth muddled with petty excuses. Kufuor, your chance of proof of innocence should not be contigent upon the invitation of J. J Rawlings. Go out there if invited and your self defence will certainly robe in other actors. The call for ex- President Rawlings is needless for now. Rawlings invitation should have occured when Tsikata was being tried by the court and the subsequent imprisonment. These guys are cunningly dodging the bullet. J.J was not a party in the sale of the ship neither could he put up a defense of how rest of money was disbursed. All the same that will open the doors to full scale investigation of other corrupt practices too. Good news for Ghanaians. Let it play on. Finally, was it not the same hedging that landed Tsikata in jail that was undertaken by Sam Jonah, former CEO of Ashanti Goldfieds when he lost almost $300m to the state but was not jailed by Kufuor? Kufuor and NPP simply cannot much Tsikata's superior brain power, hence decided to jail him out of jealousy and inferiority complex. Simple.
' and Jesus wept ' 10 years ago

After all was said and done, the drill ship was sold. But where is the money?

After all was said and done, the drill ship was sold. But where is the money?
ASK 10 years ago

Ask Societe Generale why it is no longer demanding payment of Tsatsu's debt from Ghana. They would be demanding payment if they had not already received payment. As for the Balance of US$3.5million which was lodged into an Ac ...
read full comment

Ask Societe Generale why it is no longer demanding payment of Tsatsu's debt from Ghana. They would be demanding payment if they had not already received payment. As for the Balance of US$3.5million which was lodged into an Account at Ghana International Bank in London, ask Acting High Commissioner Chris Kpodo to explain the withdrawals made from the Account by the Ghana High Commission in London during his watch. Now, if you care so much about the judicious handling of Ghana's resources, please ask President Mahama to explain why he supervised the looting of more than US$1 billion of Ghana's scarce resources through fraudulent Judgement Debts and dubious schemes like GYEEDA, SUBA, SADA etc. Ask the president whether the guinea fowls he invested GHC15 million on have returned from the Burkina Farso holidays, and where we can find the invisible trees he spent our GHC35 million on.
KOFI PAPABI 10 years ago

That TSIKATA guy with his ugly face, red lips like a cocoon, and mouth smelling like a skunk has caused more debt to Ghana than any individual in the country today. Yet there will be fools who will come out and defend him. Th ...
read full comment

That TSIKATA guy with his ugly face, red lips like a cocoon, and mouth smelling like a skunk has caused more debt to Ghana than any individual in the country today. Yet there will be fools who will come out and defend him. These are people who are either tribalists, or people of lesser minds who love country less. The guy is terrible indeed. He should have stayed in prison where he belongs
MAHAMA 10 years ago

The Kufuor Administration not only did well in realizing US$24 million from the sale of a near scrap drill ship, they also did marvelously well in negotiating Tsatsu's US$47 million debt down to a mere US$19.5 million. They d ...
read full comment

The Kufuor Administration not only did well in realizing US$24 million from the sale of a near scrap drill ship, they also did marvelously well in negotiating Tsatsu's US$47 million debt down to a mere US$19.5 million. They deserve praise for this achievement, not vilification from a Party and Government whose irresponsible member, TSATSU TSIKATA, recklessly gambled with national resources to create this debt. The man deserves to be jailed again for his irresponsible behavior, and the Kufuor Administration deserves praise for its worthwhile intervention.
Chris 10 years ago

So are we saying that the person or company that bought the drill was going to scrap it? NO, I don't think so.They are going to put it in GOOD use, so this drill was never a scrap.
Mr.Tawiah claimed to know everything about ...
read full comment

So are we saying that the person or company that bought the drill was going to scrap it? NO, I don't think so.They are going to put it in GOOD use, so this drill was never a scrap.
Mr.Tawiah claimed to know everything about this ship, but he has miserably failed in this area. If you sold your vehicle to someone because you could not maintain it doesn't mean that your vehicle is a scrap. You will see that vehicle on road one day and be surprised.
Anyway,NPP sold it alright,but where is the money?
Someone used it as trotro,and another became its debt collector,(aprankey).
Eeehh Ghana politics sweet paaaaa!!!!!
Vuvuzela 10 years ago

Get to know that guy and you'd understand he is no "Engineer" but someone who learned his job as engine room assistant. He would not be saying this crap.

The ship was under contract in Mexico and India according to him, wh ...
read full comment

Get to know that guy and you'd understand he is no "Engineer" but someone who learned his job as engine room assistant. He would not be saying this crap.

The ship was under contract in Mexico and India according to him, which speaks volumes about its conditions. Why didn't GNPC sell it when we know it could have taking for granted that when the company owes money to SG?

I wish the commission probing this affair could get GNPC's attorneys in UK to testify on what went on in London when the ship was sold.

I also wish Tsatsu could be interrogated more on the problem.
RP 10 years ago

An engine room assistant always knows more about technology than 10 Tsikatas.

The point is this: The Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) purchased the Discoverer 511 in 1992 at the cost of US$12 million for use in ...
read full comment

An engine room assistant always knows more about technology than 10 Tsikatas.

The point is this: The Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) purchased the Discoverer 511 in 1992 at the cost of US$12 million for use in the Tano fields.
When the ship was purchased in 1992 it already was known to the experts that the oil fields are on a depth between 1000m and 2000m below sea surface, while according to the specifications the DISCOVERER OPERATING WATER DEPTH was MAX WATER DEPTH 1,000 ft (305 m) with present equipment (can be outfitted to 2,500 ft [762 m]) MAX DRILLING DEPTH 20,000 ft 6,098 m. this means that the ship is of no use in the water depth Ghana has to deal with. so why is it bought in the first place. where were they going to drill, VOLTA LAKE?

VALUE OF THE SHIP.
American Appraisal Associates, professional valuers, in June 1997 estimated the Discoverer 511 to be worth between US$28.1 million and US$30.8 million.
however, the ship was sold in 2001 at a value of US$24 million. There are maritime reports that the ship was in a desperate maintenance state by 2001

In 2001 the Government of Ghana sold it for US$24 million to Norwegian company, Frontier Drilling ASA, who renamed the vessel Frontier Discoverer and in 2010 changed again in noble discoverer.

BELOW IS A SHORT EXCERPT OF WHAT A SHELL PROJECT MANAGER HAD TO SAY ABOUT THE SHIP.
"Shell took a clapped out drilling barge from Ghana (not really known for being #1 in maintenance), sent it to refit to Louisiana where the coonasses fixed it up as good rednecks do. Thereafter it went to Finland to winterise it (Kashagan gets very cold in winter) and repackage it for transport. The budget was around $35 million if I remember correctly and it was not until the famous Phil Watts (yes the preacher man) received a call from the boss of BP ‘what the f*ck are you guys doing in Kashagan?’ The bill had increased to some $130 million and Shell management simply did not know. They were too busy transforming and growing. That rig also caught fire around the same time."

WHY NOT INVOLVING GNPC IN THE SALE? READ THE FOLOWING ARTICLE
General News of Tuesday, 7 August 2001
The government has ordered a forensic audit into the activities of the Ghana National Petroleum Company (GNPC), which led to the loss of $47 million to the state.

The investigation will be carried out in eight weeks, within the framework of the law, after which a report will be submitted to the Attorney-General's Office for advice.

The Minister of Energy, Mr. Albert Kan-Dapaah, announced this at a news conference in Accra yesterday.

He used the occasion to explain the recent sale of the GNPC drill ship, Discoverer 511, by the government and other related matters.

He did not disclose the name of the firm, which will carry out the audit, but gave the assurance that it would be done by a reputable local company.

Mr. Kan-Dapaah explained that the government decided to sell the vessel to pay the debt incurred by the GNPC, under the leadership of Mr. Tsatu Tsikata, in hedging dealings with a French commodity bank, Societe General, in 1996.

According to the Energy Minister, Mr. Tsikata presented himself to the bank as "a commercial, legally trained businessman, sophisticated in terms of his understanding of derivatives work and how they can be used."

He said Mr. Tsikata also informed the bank that GNPC traded in derivatives, and was keen to transact business with the bank.

He was also reported to have told the bank that the GNPC's Tano Oil Field was scheduled to start production within 18 months.

Having succeeded in convincing the bank, Mr. Tsikata started the business of selling crude oil, which had been allocated by the Nigerian Government to Ghana, on the international market.

"Mr. Tsikata decided to sell our oil on the international market instead of making the allocation available to Ghanaians, and wanted to hedge his risks," said the minister.

Mr. Kan-Dapaah further stated that in very complex hedging transactions with the bank, which started in October, 1996, Mr. Tsikata was paid either a premium by the bank, or he paid the bank certain sums of money, depending on whether or not the market price of oil stayed below or above the predicted price.

"In effect, Mr. Tsikata was gambling with our oil while the people of Ghana were queuing for petrol. He was hoping to reap the enormous profits by selling our oil in advance at prices that would hopefully be better than the actual price at the time of delivering the product," the minister said.

Mr. Kan-Dapaah revealed that under the arrangement with the bank, the more money he lost, the more he had to fall on the bank to bail him out and that increased his indebtedness to the bank.

"As matters got worse and his financial situation deteriorated, Mr. Tsikata refused the bank's advice to cut his losses, but rather decided to raise the stakes in gambling with our national assets," he alleged.

He said Mr. Tsikata executed a mortgage of GNPC's only viable oil drill ship, Discoverer 511 in favour of the bank in the sum of $32 million. The ship was purchased and refurbished by the GNPC at a total cost of $25.74 million.

Mr. Kan-Dapaah said the mortgage amount was to secure Mr. Tsikata's outstanding losses to the bank, "but more recklessly, also to enable him to carry on with his gambling of our Nigerian allocated crude oil and the anticipated yield from the Tano Oil Field.

He said as at July, 1998, Mr. Tsikata had incurred debts to the value of the ship, and the bank decided to bring the trend to an end before its own assets became entangled in Mr. Tsikata's high stake gambling of Ghana's assets.

The minister also revealed that Mr. Tsikata was paid a net premium of $8 million by the Societe General, which brought his total indebtedness to the bank to $40 million.

According to the minister, Mr. Tsikata accepted the indebtedness to the bank and promised to settle the debt but failed to honour his promise.

As a result, the bank instituted legal proceedings in a High Court in London, in early 1999 to recover its money, including interest and the cost of the legal process.

At the same time, an arrest warrant had been granted to the bank for the arrest of and detention of Discover 511, which was then in the offshore waters of Oman.

Mr. Kan-Dapaah said the court ruled in favour of the bank for the recovery of the $40 million sum, together with interest and cost totaling $7 million.

He said the bank, in order to get its money, decided to sell the ship and pursue the GNPC for any balance, should the proceeds fail to meet the full amount of indebtedness.

"The government, faced with the situation, dispatched the Deputy Minister of Energy, on June 13, to London and Paris, to try and reach a negotiated settlement with the bank," Mr. Kan-Dapaah explained.

He said the deputy minister was mandated to ensure an orderly sale of the ship, if it became inevitable that it had to be sold.

The minister said after six weeks of intensive negotiations, the bank agreed to accept $19.5 million from the government, as final settlement of Mr. Tsikata's indebtedness to it. However, the bank would not release the ship, until the amount was paid immediately and in full.

"Under the circumstances, the government directed the deputy minister to sell the drill ship at the best price that could be obtained on the international market. Consequently, the ship was sold to the Frontier Drilling of Norway for $24 million on July 17, this year," he said.

Mr. Kan-Dapaah said the massive loss caused to the state by Mr. Tsikata's gambling with the crude oil allocated to Ghana by Nigeria is not the only disaster bequeathed to the nation. He said there were other "disastrous adventures" undertaken by Mr.Tsikata in the name of the GNPC without the consent of the GNPC Board, and in contravention of the law.

He gave the assurance that the government will get to the bottom of the matter with fair and firm hands.
Kweku 10 years ago

THIS IS A USELESS STORY.

THE FOCUS SHOULD BE GHANA'S MONEY. WHAT DID WE DO WITH THE USD3.5.
WHY ONE PERSONS WHO KNOWS NEXT TO NOTHING IN MARINE SHOULD BE ENGAGED IN DISPOSAL OF A SHIP WHILE WE HAD EXPERTS IN GHANA SHIPPE ...
read full comment

THIS IS A USELESS STORY.

THE FOCUS SHOULD BE GHANA'S MONEY. WHAT DID WE DO WITH THE USD3.5.
WHY ONE PERSONS WHO KNOWS NEXT TO NOTHING IN MARINE SHOULD BE ENGAGED IN DISPOSAL OF A SHIP WHILE WE HAD EXPERTS IN GHANA SHIPPERS COUNCIL AND THE GNPC ITSELF (WHICH IS THE OWNER OF THE SHIP).

LETS BE FRANK, THIS DOES NOT MAKE SENSE AT ALL. ALL ASPECT OF THE TRANSACTION WERE HANDLED BY POLITICIANS OF ONE POLITICAL PARTY. DAILY GUIDE HAVE YOU THOUGHT OF THAT.
Justice Kpegah jnr. 10 years ago

Mr. Tawiah,the most qualified Marine Engineer in Ghana, how are you?
I am just surprised why you were not involved in the negotiation and sale of the drill you claimed to know everything about? What could you say about that ...
read full comment

Mr. Tawiah,the most qualified Marine Engineer in Ghana, how are you?
I am just surprised why you were not involved in the negotiation and sale of the drill you claimed to know everything about? What could you say about that since you are an expert in this area? Please come again with a different story because what you are saying does not hold water.
Ns3mhuhuarakwa 10 years ago

Focus of the discussion, then the DG has failed miserably. The issue under review of the sale of call this so-called 'Tro-Tro ship, if you like,and what happened to the residual cheque for $3.5 m which, according to Kweku Ba ...
read full comment

Focus of the discussion, then the DG has failed miserably. The issue under review of the sale of call this so-called 'Tro-Tro ship, if you like,and what happened to the residual cheque for $3.5 m which, according to Kweku Baako, travelled to Chase Mahattan Bank in NY,and then mysteriously found its way back to London,and then 'evaporated into thin air. So really, where does this weird story of 'tro-tro come into the discussion? Shame on the DG!
Mr. Figure-Out 10 years ago

You don't have the analytic mind to understand what is at stake here. And if you do, you would realize that the incompetent sole commission's aim is not to trace the 3,5 million dollars but on a fault finding mission that wou ...
read full comment

You don't have the analytic mind to understand what is at stake here. And if you do, you would realize that the incompetent sole commission's aim is not to trace the 3,5 million dollars but on a fault finding mission that would enable it to appropriate charges of causing financial lost to the state. Thus the purpose of this whole brouhaha is to establish weather the Kuffour's administration erred in selling the ship, that's it. Why do you think Tsatsu had to appear before the commission to testify if the 3.5 millions was the major bone in contention here? Stepson don't behave like the Trokosis who think writing in good English is the best thing that ever happen to humanity on this planet earth. Some of we Kookoase guy might not be that good in the queens language but have the brains to decipher the hidden intentions of this useless and hopeless government, vis a vis, 'sole commission' that we got.
Tarimbia 10 years ago

Massa spare our ears dis long, winding and unending Ananse stories. D issue to a large degree isn't abt d sale, but d whereabouts of d remaining proceeds fm d sale. Where's d $3.5m? Period.

Massa spare our ears dis long, winding and unending Ananse stories. D issue to a large degree isn't abt d sale, but d whereabouts of d remaining proceeds fm d sale. Where's d $3.5m? Period.
abbas, london 10 years ago

perfect bro

perfect bro
Atanga Abanga 10 years ago

When a deputy minister for information stated that the drill ship was sold like tomatoes, some of us predicted that 'Daily Guide' would do everything both possible and impossible to come out with some equalization of a sort, ...
read full comment

When a deputy minister for information stated that the drill ship was sold like tomatoes, some of us predicted that 'Daily Guide' would do everything both possible and impossible to come out with some equalization of a sort, and it really came to pass: "drill ship used like a tro-tro", whatever that means.
PlainPlainTruth 10 years ago

Does this "qualified" marine engineer know what he's talking about when he admits he doesn't know "a whole lot"?

Anyway, I wish the Daily Guide would attach "Qualified Lawyer" to Akuffo-Addo's name!

Does this "qualified" marine engineer know what he's talking about when he admits he doesn't know "a whole lot"?

Anyway, I wish the Daily Guide would attach "Qualified Lawyer" to Akuffo-Addo's name!
NANAO!! MOTHER 10 years ago

And he will attach corruption Gold medals certificate to John Mahama`s name because it fits him.

And he will attach corruption Gold medals certificate to John Mahama`s name because it fits him.
Kwame Kofigah 10 years ago

This man can talk papa. Was he paid some thing in black polythene to have verbal diarrhoea or he is genuinely sharing expert knowledge on the D511?
He admits not knowing a whole lot but wants us to believe he is en expert m ...
read full comment

This man can talk papa. Was he paid some thing in black polythene to have verbal diarrhoea or he is genuinely sharing expert knowledge on the D511?
He admits not knowing a whole lot but wants us to believe he is en expert marine drill ship engineer and an asset Valuer.
Does it he accept that he was employed to run generators for electric power on ship?
Suddenly he turns himself into a marine asset Valuer for K4. Very interesting times in Ghana, indeed.
Dont we miss June and 31st December?
ANA 10 years ago

What a foolish story, u re just using Tsatsu's name to get readers to read you story. Very foolish Daily guide

What a foolish story, u re just using Tsatsu's name to get readers to read you story. Very foolish Daily guide
SENIOR CITIZEN 10 years ago

YES AN ENGINEER WHO DOES NOT KNOW THAT THE MORE THE DRILL SHIP IS USED THE LONGER IT FUNCTIONS EFFICIENTLY. IT IS LIKE MOST OF THE BIG AIRCRAFTS WHICH ARE USED AS TROTRO BECAUSE THAT IS WHAT MAKES A GOOD AIRCRAFT AND NOT PURC ...
read full comment

YES AN ENGINEER WHO DOES NOT KNOW THAT THE MORE THE DRILL SHIP IS USED THE LONGER IT FUNCTIONS EFFICIENTLY. IT IS LIKE MOST OF THE BIG AIRCRAFTS WHICH ARE USED AS TROTRO BECAUSE THAT IS WHAT MAKES A GOOD AIRCRAFT AND NOT PURCHASED TO SIT IDLE ON THE TARMAC.
Adwoa smart 10 years ago

We are not interested in who used the drill ship as tro tro or whatever. Our question is simple and short: who sold the drill ship? Who served as debt collector? And where is the money? That's all we want to know. Don't try t ...
read full comment

We are not interested in who used the drill ship as tro tro or whatever. Our question is simple and short: who sold the drill ship? Who served as debt collector? And where is the money? That's all we want to know. Don't try to divert our attention with this cock and bull story by a supposed marine engineer. Marine engineer my foot!
Obournana 10 years ago

Kweku Baako has exposed himself as full paid PRO for NPP and its crooks. What does this story got to do with the issue at stake? Mr. know all Baako thinks we are all ignorant and illiterate like him. No, not at all. This is w ...
read full comment

Kweku Baako has exposed himself as full paid PRO for NPP and its crooks. What does this story got to do with the issue at stake? Mr. know all Baako thinks we are all ignorant and illiterate like him. No, not at all. This is why all he wrote for NPP against NDC failed for Mahama to get one touch, an achievement Rawlings could not make. NPP will continue to lose elections so far as Daily Guide keep writing nonsense and lies.
LOVEJOY-US 10 years ago

There is nothing like 2nd chief engineer.Cooked story.Employ qualified journalists,please.

There is nothing like 2nd chief engineer.Cooked story.Employ qualified journalists,please.
....... 10 years ago

WHO MURDERED COUNTABLE GHANAIAN.AMEDUME WAS KILLED SIMPLY COS THESE CRIMINALS HAVE KILLED A LOT OF AKANS.

WHO MURDERED COUNTABLE GHANAIAN.AMEDUME WAS KILLED SIMPLY COS THESE CRIMINALS HAVE KILLED A LOT OF AKANS.
Jeff, UK 10 years ago

Just another attention seeker that spends his time sitting under palm frond sheds drinking palm-wine. He is called as and when he is needed and so was he expected to know how was going on in GNPC apart ensuring that there was ...
read full comment

Just another attention seeker that spends his time sitting under palm frond sheds drinking palm-wine. He is called as and when he is needed and so was he expected to know how was going on in GNPC apart ensuring that there was power on the vessel? What does he know about ship maintenance? Probably, a former employee of Black Star Line or State finishing Corporation who also run it down in similar fashion> How good was he at all if he couldn't land a permanent job?
KK 10 years ago

You live in UK and you are so stupid.

You live in UK and you are so stupid.
James 10 years ago

You can see from the way the NDC is shouting about the Drill Ship story that they are desperate to cling to any story that has the slightest hint of an NPP involvement.

The NDC have caused numerous financial loses to the S ...
read full comment

You can see from the way the NDC is shouting about the Drill Ship story that they are desperate to cling to any story that has the slightest hint of an NPP involvement.

The NDC have caused numerous financial loses to the State (This Ship incurred this loss due to Tsatsu Tsikata's grip on power to do whatever he wanted) and up to now hardly any of those monies have been retrieved.

With all these hanging over them, and the current mismanagement of the economy, any news, involvig the NPP, is grabbed like some meat thrown to the dogs.

That Party is full of corrupt people, who use the media to try to divert the attention of Ghanaians from their failures and greed. This is a Party whose Founder has found it necessary to label them as "Greedy Bastards".

Thank God for the likes of Kweku Baako, who keeps bringing out the truth.

The NDC will be stripped Naked.
guitar boy 10 years ago

FOLKS IT'S NO MORE GHANA'S BLACK STARS.

FOLKS IT'S NO MORE GHANA'S BLACK STARS.
Mactonto 10 years ago

“it was going to end up as scrap.”>>>>if so why would anyone buy it for that amount of money? Whether or not it was used as 'trotro' is not the issue. The main issue is the rationale behind its sale, the process of sale, ...
read full comment

“it was going to end up as scrap.”>>>>if so why would anyone buy it for that amount of money? Whether or not it was used as 'trotro' is not the issue. The main issue is the rationale behind its sale, the process of sale, and where ALL the money generated from the sale went. Once again, the writer of this article takes the typical approach of the Ghanaian analyses: attack the messenger and ignore the facts. Where did all the money from the sale go?
Mohammed Mutala 10 years ago

Mr.M K Tawiah must come out clear or Daily Guide should retract and apologis to the so called Enginere and Ghana for reporting contradicting statements.How can the Drill Ship in Dubai be sold out in NDC era and again sold out ...
read full comment

Mr.M K Tawiah must come out clear or Daily Guide should retract and apologis to the so called Enginere and Ghana for reporting contradicting statements.How can the Drill Ship in Dubai be sold out in NDC era and again sold out when it was 36 years old in Kufuor's era at $24m. Oh Daily Guide please when will you learn to be profesional reporters. Please if you have nothing to offer Ghanaians don't cause distabilisation in the country, we have seen it in Rewanda and othe African countries.Please give us a break.
princewilly@ymail.com 10 years ago

A magician worked on a cruise ship..
.....the audience was different each week so the magician did the same tricks over and over again.
There was only one problem: The captain's parrot saw the shows each week and began to u ...
read full comment

A magician worked on a cruise ship..
.....the audience was different each week so the magician did the same tricks over and over again.
There was only one problem: The captain's parrot saw the shows each week and began to understand how the Magician did every trick.
Once he understood, he started shouting in the middle of the show, "Look, It’s not the same hat!" or, "Look, he's hiding the flowers under the table!" Or "Hey, why are all the cards the ace of spades?"
The magician was furious but couldn't do anything. It was, after all, the Captain's' parrot.
Then one stormy night on the Pacific, the ship unfortunately sank, drowning almost all who were on board. The magician luckily found himself on a piece of wood floating in the middle of the sea, as fate would have it ... With the parrot...
They stared at each other with hatred, but did not utter a word.
This went on for a day... And then 2 days. And then 3 days. Finally on the 4th day, the parrot could not hold back any longer and said....."Alright, good one but i can't take it any longer, what did you do with the ship???

WHERE IS THE SHIP?
Martin/PA 10 years ago

It makes a whole lot of economic sense to rent out the ship. The ship was acquired with the intent of using it when we eventually discover oil. Instead of letting it dock perpetually, renting was the best option. If Mr. Tawia ...
read full comment

It makes a whole lot of economic sense to rent out the ship. The ship was acquired with the intent of using it when we eventually discover oil. Instead of letting it dock perpetually, renting was the best option. If Mr. Tawiah was such an expert and patriotic, he should made a report to authorities.
Martin/PA 10 years ago

If Mr. Tawiah was such an expert and patriotic, he should have made a complaint to the appropriate authorities. The question at stake is what happened to the money? Are there documents to account for disbursement of the money ...
read full comment

If Mr. Tawiah was such an expert and patriotic, he should have made a complaint to the appropriate authorities. The question at stake is what happened to the money? Are there documents to account for disbursement of the money? If not then somebody or bodies must held liable and serve jail time.
RP 10 years ago

renting was the only option because the maximum water depth the ship can operate in at this time is about 700 m. before modification it was about 400m jubilee lies at a water depth of 1100m, so wat is the use of this ship for ...
read full comment

renting was the only option because the maximum water depth the ship can operate in at this time is about 700 m. before modification it was about 400m jubilee lies at a water depth of 1100m, so wat is the use of this ship for ghana if it barely covers its expenses
Vuvuzela 10 years ago

So why wasn't the company to which the ship belonged part of the negotiating body that sold it eventually?

We were told the ship was to have been "re-engineered" to deeper operation reaches. Did you ask why the GNPC which ...
read full comment

So why wasn't the company to which the ship belonged part of the negotiating body that sold it eventually?

We were told the ship was to have been "re-engineered" to deeper operation reaches. Did you ask why the GNPC which owes money didn't sell it? Why were Ghana banking institutions not involved in the sale?
abbas, london 10 years ago

whether he used it as trotro or dropping, that is not the subject matter. they one who sold the ship and used them on his self is what ghanaians want to know. this diversionary tactics can not sway anybody ok, thank god that ...
read full comment

whether he used it as trotro or dropping, that is not the subject matter. they one who sold the ship and used them on his self is what ghanaians want to know. this diversionary tactics can not sway anybody ok, thank god that after even used as trotro as alleged tsatsu did not sell it and chop
Ibn Batuta 10 years ago

The usual media hype. This does not indict Tsikata any way. The ship never ended up as scrap though. There was alway need for its services hence the purchase by the Norwegians. Have nothing to say, just shut up.

The usual media hype. This does not indict Tsikata any way. The ship never ended up as scrap though. There was alway need for its services hence the purchase by the Norwegians. Have nothing to say, just shut up.
Santo 10 years ago

Thanks for your uncalled advise Mr Tawiah but we still want to know where the $3.5Million is even if you had recommended the sale.

Thanks for your uncalled advise Mr Tawiah but we still want to know where the $3.5Million is even if you had recommended the sale.
Akans Prophecies 10 years ago

Tastsu is damn rot! Claiming intellect elitism in our Ghanaian society to shelter his crimes.He is very dangerous, always living on the edge, shifting always for crimes on crimes.What is the essence of his education if it per ...
read full comment

Tastsu is damn rot! Claiming intellect elitism in our Ghanaian society to shelter his crimes.He is very dangerous, always living on the edge, shifting always for crimes on crimes.What is the essence of his education if it permit,the elimination of other and the creation of selfish wealth. Oh! For goodness sake , l forgot he is an EWE! The PRICE in the common House in association with the MELTING- POT
Proud Pepeman. 10 years ago

MR TAWIAH WAS JUST EMPLOYED TO RUN THE SHIP'S ENGINES. WHAT DOES HE KNOW ABOUT DRILL SHIP CONTRACTS? IF YOU HAVE A DRILL SHIP LYING IDLE AND IS CHARTERED IS THERE ANYTHING WRONG WITH THAT?

MR TAWIAH WAS JUST EMPLOYED TO RUN THE SHIP'S ENGINES. WHAT DOES HE KNOW ABOUT DRILL SHIP CONTRACTS? IF YOU HAVE A DRILL SHIP LYING IDLE AND IS CHARTERED IS THERE ANYTHING WRONG WITH THAT?
RP 10 years ago

tsikata can say whatever he likes to any of you nitwits. the ship was a miss buy from gnpc. other companies bought it because they are specialized in oil drilling and have more of this rigs for different purpose.

now abou ...
read full comment

tsikata can say whatever he likes to any of you nitwits. the ship was a miss buy from gnpc. other companies bought it because they are specialized in oil drilling and have more of this rigs for different purpose.

now about the ship, before modification the ship was designed for maximum water depth of about 400m. after the modification in 2009 maximum waterdepth is about 700m.
jubilee oilfield lies at a water depth of 1100m tano oilfield at 1500m. the ship is for use in shallow waters. stop the crap make your own calculations.
Joseph Baffoe 10 years ago

Dear Editor of the Dialy Guide what I want to know from you is ,DID the Tro Tro money go into Tsatsu. Tsikata's. pocket or GNPC'S covers? If it didn't go to his pocket but the Company accounts , then praise Tsikata fo ...
read full comment

Dear Editor of the Dialy Guide what I want to know from you is ,DID the Tro Tro money go into Tsatsu. Tsikata's. pocket or GNPC'S covers? If it didn't go to his pocket but the Company accounts , then praise Tsikata for using his ingenuity to find more money from different sources to make the Company more viable..Daily Guide Editor. was the ship used in carrying bulk cargoes or rented out for drilling? I think you will agree that GNPC's. mandate was to prospect. for OIL? If so there is nothing. Wrong. to buy the Discoverer 511,so dear Editor better rest your pen else one day you will be a collaborator of Ghana WRECKERS. So from your own article it's this Tsikata you're. condemning did this yeoman's job of discovering the OIL for Ghana, but not the Party you're dying for discovered , as claimed .Please give credit to this man , ex-President JJ Rawlings else one day posterity will judge you.My reason is this if , people find out that your interest is for a Par ty but not the Nation no one will like to buy your newspaper.Remember Ghana will forever live,but PARTIES will come and go.
venom 10 years ago

Why was Tsatsu jailed by NPP Mr Tawiah? The fact is in his capacity as the CEO of gnpc he took innitiatives on behalf of the company that went bad incurring series of liabilities to the company. I think that led up to the sei ...
read full comment

Why was Tsatsu jailed by NPP Mr Tawiah? The fact is in his capacity as the CEO of gnpc he took innitiatives on behalf of the company that went bad incurring series of liabilities to the company. I think that led up to the seizure of the ship which has nothing to do with the performance of the ship.Your argument or complaint is therefore without merit. But being it as it is, the NPP government set out to right the wrongs, and sold the ship for an amount that exceeded the total indebtedness. At this point it is all thumbs up for the government of NPP for solving a problem. Great mark of great leadership. But why are they being smeared today? It is because they have failed to account for the balance left after defraying the debt to the people of Ghana. And all these took place without the involvement of Tsatsu. It is therefore not fair to rope in Tsatsu if the question is bothering on the sale of the ship and how the proceed was disbursed. So the honest truth is that the NPP in its quest to right the wrongs rather acted in bad faith. First to project Tsatsu to Ghanaians as a criminal and in the process blind Ghanaians while they execute their personal agenda. Well the cat is let out now and someone needs to answer. Tsatsu of course is out of equation and shouldn't even be mentioned at all. Tsatsu has certainly erred but his action is part of the credentials of visionary leaders-boldness and risking taking. If in doubt go ask Sam Jonah of Ashanti Gold Mines. God bless Ghana.
DusTY-FooT-pHiloSophER 10 years ago

Thank you Sir. That's the single most pressing agenda on the enquiry's table at the moment.

Thank you Sir. That's the single most pressing agenda on the enquiry's table at the moment.
Vuvuzela 10 years ago

Tsatsu was jailed for Aveyime projects.

Tsatsu was jailed for Aveyime projects.
Billy He Who 10 years ago

we do not need to hear any story just where is thebalance of usd3.5 million?
period

we do not need to hear any story just where is thebalance of usd3.5 million?
period
GHANAMANBA 10 years ago

YOU ARE ASKING FOR 3.5 AND RATHER LEAVING 51.2 OH GHANA

YOU ARE ASKING FOR 3.5 AND RATHER LEAVING 51.2 OH GHANA
Simingue 10 years ago

obi ne yem gbriiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii

obi ne yem gbriiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii
Whatever 10 years ago

Whether Tsatsu used drill ship as tro tro or a limo is neither here or there. You've gone and sold our drill ship which was not collateralized and 'chopped' the money. We want you and your NPP to account for it

Whether Tsatsu used drill ship as tro tro or a limo is neither here or there. You've gone and sold our drill ship which was not collateralized and 'chopped' the money. We want you and your NPP to account for it
RP 10 years ago

why keep a ship wich barely covers its expences and is not usable for drilling in own waters.

tsikata can say whatever he likes to any of you NDC nitwits.

the ship was a miss buy in the first place from gnpc. other co ...
read full comment

why keep a ship wich barely covers its expences and is not usable for drilling in own waters.

tsikata can say whatever he likes to any of you NDC nitwits.

the ship was a miss buy in the first place from gnpc. other companies bought it because they are specialized in oil drilling and have more of this rigs for different purpose.

now about the ship, before modification the ship was designed for maximum water depth of about 400m. after the modification in 2009 maximum waterdepth is about 700m.
jubilee oilfield lies at a water depth of 1100m tano oilfield at 1500m. the ship is for use in shallow waters. stop the crap make your own calculations.
Abrantie 10 years ago

where is the balance of $3.5M from the sale? Kronfour!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

where is the balance of $3.5M from the sale? Kronfour!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
RP 10 years ago

50 million woyome against 3.5 million. what are you talking about

50 million woyome against 3.5 million. what are you talking about
Mansah 10 years ago

You are a patriotic citizen, congratulations. God bless you.

You are a patriotic citizen, congratulations. God bless you.
Ghanaba 10 years ago

Mr.Tawiah well done.At this moment the said. Ship has been sold. All we are looking for is that money that some people have stolen. In America even before you go for a labour' s job background checks are taken. In Ghana, ther ...
read full comment

Mr.Tawiah well done.At this moment the said. Ship has been sold. All we are looking for is that money that some people have stolen. In America even before you go for a labour' s job background checks are taken. In Ghana, there are a lot of crooks in office, why.Please, forget about that. history and let collect our money.
Prof 10 years ago

Ingrates, hypocrites, backbitters, evil people reside in that country. Look at a man who helped find GNPC in early 1980 where we had no experts in oil drilling and exploration.

With a vision to find oil for his country and ...
read full comment

Ingrates, hypocrites, backbitters, evil people reside in that country. Look at a man who helped find GNPC in early 1980 where we had no experts in oil drilling and exploration.

With a vision to find oil for his country and for his country to keep the oil wholly, he went on a journey. Which of these guys will even think of buying a drill ship instead of busily chopping our money.

If Nkrumah was persecuted for building Akosombo dam, why wont Tsatsu be persecetud. We now have a poilticaly coloured ingrate telling us the ship was no good. If the ship was scrap, why did companies hire it for their explorations? Why were we able to sell it in a twinkle of an eye? EVIL IS WHAT RESIDES IN THE MIND OF THIS SO-CALLED ENGINEER.

Is the ship not still working for those who bought it from us? If it was scrap, why is it still working. You think those who ought it were stupid to buy scrap for 24 million?
Obed Adore 10 years ago

I reason with you prof.
people have forgotten the fact that the current oil production did come about as a result of these "small" beginnings by the GNPC under Tsatsu. Tsatsu and his GNPC did really well even without the so- ...
read full comment

I reason with you prof.
people have forgotten the fact that the current oil production did come about as a result of these "small" beginnings by the GNPC under Tsatsu. Tsatsu and his GNPC did really well even without the so-called oil experts.
Martin/PA 10 years ago

Tsatsu was vilified and imprisoned so that these guys could cover their butts. There will always be a question make on Tsatsu's achievements because of the imprisonment. However, the truth will be made known to eventually. Gh ...
read full comment

Tsatsu was vilified and imprisoned so that these guys could cover their butts. There will always be a question make on Tsatsu's achievements because of the imprisonment. However, the truth will be made known to eventually. Ghanaians only heap praises on their heroes posthumously. Any wonder Kuffour decided not to wait after his demise to be recognized.
Kwesi Daquah 10 years ago

This is nonsence whether trotro or not troro where is the money?even if it was used for borla car we want to know where the money is,if it was pndc era they would said the truth long time ago. Npp is diverting the issue.

This is nonsence whether trotro or not troro where is the money?even if it was used for borla car we want to know where the money is,if it was pndc era they would said the truth long time ago. Npp is diverting the issue.
Obed Adore 10 years ago

What is wrong with renting out an idle drill ship to make money to defray any associated cost? To me, it was a wise move by GNPC at that time.
Also, I have my doubt that the Drill ship would have been scrapped. Did the new ...
read full comment

What is wrong with renting out an idle drill ship to make money to defray any associated cost? To me, it was a wise move by GNPC at that time.
Also, I have my doubt that the Drill ship would have been scrapped. Did the new owner buy it just to scrap it? One can easily deduce that the answer is a big NO.
victor 10 years ago

The only flaw is that even by renting out the drill ship, they still did not make any money ?? Did they? If they did, where is it?

The only flaw is that even by renting out the drill ship, they still did not make any money ?? Did they? If they did, where is it?
nunana 10 years ago

We heard all thank you... but where is the balance of $3.5ml
Mr. KT Hammond
Mr. Kan Daapah
No amount of twist and bounds is going to save anybody. The commissioner is watching and listening.

We heard all thank you... but where is the balance of $3.5ml
Mr. KT Hammond
Mr. Kan Daapah
No amount of twist and bounds is going to save anybody. The commissioner is watching and listening.
Nii Okai 10 years ago

It is all about the said amount of 3.5 million dollars that could not be accounted for, that everybody wants to know where that money is, and not the foolish comments appearing in the daily news papers always.

Is it a sham ...
read full comment

It is all about the said amount of 3.5 million dollars that could not be accounted for, that everybody wants to know where that money is, and not the foolish comments appearing in the daily news papers always.

Is it a shameful situation that some stupid as well as foolish people are still talking about the drill ship with stories of Tsikata this and that, that the drill ship is a scrap but none of them have proved that Tsikata stole the drill ship money.
nor money of the GNPC.

Ghanaians, lets put political sickness away and face facts that could help us to move our nation forward. A thief/thieves are always thieves, therefore why should we argue foolishly over national money of 3.5 million dollars that some thieves who claimed they are politicians with the nation at heart have stolen,

In a simple way people refuse to accept this as a fact and had resolved to folish arguement in defence of the political thieves of the NPP.

Why are people defending these thieves who have robbed all of of 3.5 million dollars? It is time to stop defending political party minds and defend the interest of our nation and its properties that individuals have targeted to scramble and share among themselves.

Eventually I am very confident that God of Heaven and Earth will never allow it to happen or if happened at all, He will expose the culprits who will be prosecuted and jail by the law of the land.
FILLER ELLEMBELLE 10 years ago

THE MAN IS MAN NOT SERIOUS AT ALL. NPP GURUS ARE GIVING THE COUNTRY A PROBLEM, HOW CAN NPP SOLD OUR ASSET JUST LIKE THAT. NANA ADDO MUST BE INVITED. BRAVO TO HON JOSEPH YAMMIN DEPT. SPORTS MINISTER.

THE MAN IS MAN NOT SERIOUS AT ALL. NPP GURUS ARE GIVING THE COUNTRY A PROBLEM, HOW CAN NPP SOLD OUR ASSET JUST LIKE THAT. NANA ADDO MUST BE INVITED. BRAVO TO HON JOSEPH YAMMIN DEPT. SPORTS MINISTER.

Tsatsu used drill ship like 'Tro tro'

Read Comments .st0{display:none;fill:#14BDD3;} .st1{display:none;} .st2{display:inline;fill:#FC0F0F;} .st3{display:inline;fill:#FFFFFF;} .st4{display:inline;fill:none;stroke:#000000;stroke-width:6;stroke-miterlimit:10;} Comments (100)

Read Comments Comments (100)