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The Alliance for Social Equity and Public Accountability (ASEPA) is calling on Parliament to properly probe the GNPC and AKER deal when it is presented before the house.
The GNPC through its Exploration and Production Company Limited (GNPC Explorco) intends to buy 37% stake in Deep Water Tano/Cape Three Points (DWT/CTP) operated by Aker Energy Ghana Limited and 70% stake in the South Deep Water Tano (SDWT) operated by AGM Petroleum Ghana Limited.
The transaction has however divided the front of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Ghana where some have adjudged it as bad whereas others have espoused it.
Speaking on the matter at a press conference in Accra, the Executive Director of ASEPA, Mensah Thompson said even though the agreement may be a good one, there is the need for transparency in it.
“What CSOs have been asking for is the numbers. It is the valuation of the blocs that has stirred all the controversy you have been hearing around this transaction. What we have always maintained is to patiently wait for the negatiaions to be completed and the numbers presented to Parliament.
“That’s is where the real work begins from, for us CSOs to scrutinise the numbers in proper details and to ensure that whatever agreement is reached is in the interest of the country” he said at the press conference.
In his further submissions, he implored Parliament to ensure that they “exercise serious scrutiny where the numbers are presented” adding they should “take their time and not rush this through just like the earlier memo that went through the house but painstakingly scrutinizee every bit of it and make sure that all concerns of CSOs, experts and interested parties are adequately addressed.”
Mr. Thompson assured that should the valuation be fair and meet all local and international standards, they will support it but if bad they will kick against it with all their might.
