The National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, has advised President Akufo-Addo not to accept a $800 million gas processing deal because it would result in large financial losses for the state down the road.
This warning comes in response to claims made by John Jinapor, the Minority Spokesperson on Energy, that the president is pressuring Ghana National Gas’s CEO to accept the deal without doing the necessary legislative review.
Mahama emphasized the need of bringing the contract before Parliament for ratification on Saturday, September 28, during a community engagement at Town Council Line in the Greater Accra Region.
As they get closer to the conclusion of their tenure in power, he claimed that the government’s haste to sign the agreement is motivated by self-interest.
Mahama emphasized the contract’s long-term consequences, which might tie the nation for years, and issued a warning that those in charge would face consequences if the state experienced financial losses.
“The NPP administration knows they are going out of office, they are trying to sign an agreement and commit this country to certain projects for which they would want to take advantage. For 8 years, this government has not invested in producing more gas.
“Even though there isn’t enough gas in sight, they are in a hurry to commit to this country for a second gas stream before they leave office.
“And I’m telling them this could lead to financial loss to the state, and it could lead to judgment debts. So if they haven’t signed yet, they shouldn’t sign it. This $800 million gas processing contract must go to Parliament for approval. You cannot hide and sign this contract behind the people of Ghana. We will hold you to account if it results in judgment debts.”
“At this late stage of your government, you should not be busy signing contracts that will bind this nation for many years. Let me warn all involved in this contract that they will be held responsible if the state suffers a financial loss.”
He vowed to counter any actions that don’t serve the best interests of Ghanaians.
“I have promised the people of Ghana not just jobs and prosperity but also accountability. You can be assured that under the Mahama presidency, acts that are not in the interest of the good people of this country will not be allowed to proce
