The Chief of Staff, Prosper Bani, has ordered the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) not to renew its $63,000 monthly rent for their office space at the end of the current tenure.
In a statement, Mr. Bani indicated that “the Presidency is reviewing the approval processes that went into the decision to commit state funds to rent an office when the upfront payment involved could have completed a permanent office building for the NPA.”
The Minority in Parliament at a press briefing two weeks ago revealed the NPA was renting an office complex at East Legon with a monthly payment of $63,000.
The NPA in response justified the amount saying, it was necessary and urgent because it had the security and safety of its employees at heart.
The Energy Ministry subsequently set up a committee to investigate the matter but the statement from the Chief of Staff stated that the Ministry has been directed “to dissolve the committee inaugurated to investigate the National Petroleum Authority’s (NPA) $63,000 a month office building.”
The 5-member Committee, according to the Ministry, was tasked with investigating among others the circumstances that led to the renting of the new offices and whether the cost per month was appropriate.
The Chief of Staff has also cautioned other state-owned entities and their boards against decisions and actions that are not in the national interest and at variance with the principles and vision of His Excellency the President.
By: Efua Idan Osam/citifmonline.com/Ghana
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