Parliament Versus Herald Saga: Editor Cautioned To Stop Exposés On GNPC Contract Illegalities
The exposés by the Herald Newspaper concerning the alleged illegal contract between The Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) and Genser Energy Ghana Ltd has compelled parliament to warn the Editor of the newspaper, Mr. Larry Alans Dogbe, to pause his exposés.
According to the Parliament Committee on Mines and Energy, the Editor risks contempt charges if he continues with the exposés.
In a letter dated October 3, 2022, the Committee indicated that “his publications on the matter have contempt implications because the committee, clothed with similar powers as the High Court, was investigating the matter”.
The Chairman of the Committee, also the Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South, Samuel Atta Akyea, directed the Clerk of the Committee, Ms. Evelyn Brefo-Boateng, to sign the official letter to be served to the Herald Editor.
The letter issued to the Editor of the Herald Newspaper indicates that; “The Parliamentary Select Committee on Mines and Energy is very much concerned that, on your own admission, while we are investigating matters of and concerning the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation and Genser Energy Ghana Ltd Contracts, your newspaper is incessantly running prejudicial commentary on the very subject matter of our enquiry.
“I am directed by the Hon Chairman of the Committee to remind you that, in terms of Article 103(6) of the Constitution, a Committee of Parliament has the powers, rights and privileges of the High Court. Besides, Article 122 of our Constitution is very clear on contempt of Parliament.
“I am also directed by the Hon Chairman to caution you that, if you do not stop the prejudicial publications relating to what the Committee is investigating, which will mean you will not have purged yourself of your previous contumacious behaviour, we will be compelled to haul you before the Committee of Privileges to answer contempt charges.
“Please note that you have been put on notice.”
Background Of The Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) and Genser Energy Ghana Ltd Contract Saga
It will be recalled that the Herald newspaper, in its publication, gave readers a teaser on September 26, 2022, concerning some illegalities on a contract between the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation and Genser Energy Ltd, which belongs to a nephew of the President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
It is alleged that there is a US$ 2 billion gas looting issue revolving around the President of Ghana. Bright Simons of IMANI-Africa described the deal as “a sweetheart deal” in which GNPC is buying gas at US$7.9/ mmbtu and selling to Genser, at US$2.79/ mmbtu.
According to the report, “the loss deliberately created to be incurred by the state is eventually being passed onto Ghanaians as tax paid through electricity consumption”.