News:
June 23, 2014
The Minister of Energy and Petroleum, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, says if reports of a monthly rent of $63,000 for offices of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) are true, then it does not represent “prudent use of state resources”.
The Minister said in a statement released by his outfit that he will demand an explanation from the NPA Board for its decision to rent the facility at that “high cost”.
Already the NPA, Ghana’s petroleum industry regulator, has been summoned by Parliament to justify the payment of $63,000 dollars a month as rent for its offices located at East Legon in Accra.
The Mines and Energy Committee of Parliament summoned the Authority following accusation by the Minority that the state is not getting value for money in the transaction.
Chairman of the Committee, Dr. Kwabena Donkor told Joy News’ parliamentary correspondent Elton Brobbey critics should also be curious about “the floor space, [as well as] price per square meter”.
He however said the Authority should be made accountable if the rent does not give value for money.
Mr Buah was quoted in the release as saying the NPA’s action if confirmed “runs at variance with the philosophy and preferences of His Excellency the President [John Mahama] as far as the use of public funds are concerned.”
The release was signed by the Energy and Petroleum Ministry’s Deputy Head of Communications, Ras Liberty Amewode,
Read below the full statement from the Energy and Petroleum Ministry.
Cost of rent for NPA office
The Ministry of Energy and Petroleum has agreed with the public concerns on the high cost of the premises recently rented by the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) as offices.
According to the Minister, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, “if the NPA’s office was rented at $63,000 per month as has been reported, then that hardly represents prudent use of state resources, no matter how conducive or appropriate the facility is for their operations.”
“The Minister would be demanding from the Board and management of the NPA an explanation for such a decision, especially the consideration that went into a decision that runs at variance with the philosophy and preferences of His Excellency the President as far as the use of public funds are concerned.” Mr. Buah Stated.
The public is assured that the Ministry will do everything possible to get to the bottom of this matter.
Signed
Ras Liberty Amewode
Deputy Head, Communications