Ghana Gas Under Fire: Operations Chief Accused of Multi-Million Dollar Misconduct

Allegations of systemic corruption are emerging at Ghana Gas, with the General Manager of Operations, Ing. Dr. Robert Lartey, who is tipped to become the next Chief Executive Officer (CEO), at the center of a scandal that could involve multi-million dollar financial irregularities.

Dr. Lartey, whose rapid ascent from Lead Engineer to Director under former CEO Dr. George Sipa-Adjah Yankey initially raised questions, is now accused by insiders of orchestrating dubious contract awards. One such contract—a $1.6 million project for a marker buoy—is under intense scrutiny after classified information suggests the project might have been completed for less than $600,000.

Additional allegations claim that Dr. Lartey shifted his political allegiance following a recent government transition, aligning himself with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to bolster his influence within the company. Sources allege that during the previous administration led by Dr. Ben Asante, he secured multiple lucrative contracts through private companies, allegedly to obscure questionable financial practices.

The controversy further deepened with claims that Dr. Lartey, in collaboration with General Manager of Commercial, Stephen Borteye Jomo, manipulated loading system measurement devices to divert and illicitly sell liquid resources. Moreover, his involvement in the contentious $812 million Ghana Gas Processing Plant 2 (GPP 2) deal has also come under fire. According to allegations, Dr. Lartey played a key role in channeling internal documents to Intel Logistics and guiding them through the bidding process. In a bid to fast-track the approval process before the 2024 elections, he reportedly coordinated with company insiders to insert a secret $5 million termination clause into the contract—a maneuver allegedly executed with the assistance of associates, including Dr. Asante and another individual identified only as Sylvia.

Adding to the mounting concerns, Dr. Lartey is accused of intimidating staff members who question his actions, further fueling fears of a deeply entrenched culture of corruption within Ghana Gas.

As these serious allegations continue to surface, stakeholders and media advocates are calling for immediate transparency and accountability within the organisation. There are growing demands for a thorough investigation by the relevant authorities to substantiate the claims and hold those responsible accountable for any misuse of funds.

The unfolding scandal at Ghana Gas has raised significant concerns about corporate governance and the potential for political interference in state-owned enterprises, signaling a critical need for reform and oversight.

Source: With additional file from Amaghanaonline.com