Accusations of financial impropriety have been levelled against the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), particularly its Board Chairman, Freddie Blay, and CEO, Mr. Opoku Ahweneeh Danquah, as intercepted memos reveal substantial increases in allowances despite the government's call for financial sacrifices.
North Tongu MP Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa brought the issue to light, expressing his concern over the alleged approval of substantial increments by the Freddie Blay-led board and management, amounting to up to 150%. This revelation comes at a time when the country is grappling with an economic crisis, prompting the government to advocate for financial haircuts from the populace.
According to the intercepted memos, allowances for a day's hotel rate have surged from $400 to $1000, Euros, or Pounds, depending on the travel destination. The per diem for the Board Chairman has reportedly increased from $500 to $850, while for the CEO and other board members, it has risen from $500 to $700, again in foreign currencies based on the travel location.
Furthermore, insiders claim that there are memos requesting a doubling of the CEO's salary, raising eyebrows among critics. Mr. Opoku Ahweneeh Danquah, who is President Akufo-Addo's nephew, has been accused of having undue influence and consistently getting what he desires.
In response to these allegations, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has expressed his dismay at what he perceives as a betrayal of the Ghanaian people and a display of gross insensitivity. He emphasized the need to regulate the discretion of boards and CEOs of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) to determine their salaries and allowances without parliamentary approval. The proposed private member legislation aims to curb this practice, especially at a time when many SOEs are reportedly mismanaged and incurring significant losses.