Drill ship sale: Probe GNPC

The ranking member on the Parliamentary Select Committee on Mines and Energy, Mr. K.T. Hammond, has asked government to probe the board of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (G.N.P.C), over alleged reckless expenditure.

According to the Member of Parliament for Adansi Asokwa, who is being investigated by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) over his role in the sale of GNPC’s drill ship, Discoverer 511 in 2001, the President should set up a committee to investigate the matter.

Speaking to Class News, Mr. Hammond wondered why he was singled out for investigations over his involvement in the ship’s sale while those he said mismanaged GNPC, for which reason the ship had to be sold, are left off the hook.

“The President should quickly set up a committee, if it is EOCO or whatever, I am asking for the culprit to be apprehended,” he said.

“Set up the investigation, unravel the truth of this matter. If it is true, punishment should be meted out,” he added.

The Adansi Asokwa legislator said he has a letter dated July 27, 2001, addressed to him from GNPC listing the beneficiaries, who were owed by GNPC for which reason the ship was sold to defray the debt.

“It is addressed to me, K.T. Hammond. Banking details of creditors, so, please find attached the list of creditors of drill ship 511 and their bank details for the necessary action. This is the famous $900,000 that is being talked about,” he said.

Mr. Hammond said the money was disbursed on account of the letter signed by Mr. Ofori Quaah, acting Chief Executive of the GNPC at the time.

He noted that the names on the list are the people the monies were paid to. “Why am I still the one being called to account while those who created this stench are sitting at home?” he asked.

Mr Hammond called on the media to take up the matter.