GTPCWU Demands Arrest of Former TOR Board Members Over Alleged Mismanagement

The General Transport, Petroleum, and Chemical Workers’ Union (GTPCWU) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) has called on President John Dramani Mahama to establish an independent, non-partisan committee to investigate the activities of the outgone Board of Directors of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR). The union has specifically demanded the arrest of three former board members: Mr. Apenteng, Mrs. Sapara Grant, and Mr. Ato Morisson, for alleged misconduct and decisions that undermined transparency and accountability.

Speaking at a press conference, the National Chairman of GTPCWU expressed concerns over the board’s alleged collusion with private entities and individuals to engage in non-transparent transactions that had adverse financial consequences for TOR. The union highlighted irregularities, including the incorporation of special-purpose vehicles such as Torentco Asset Management Limited and Tema Energy and Processing Limited, which were allegedly established to cover up structural flaws and irregularities.

The GTPCWU accused the board of sidelining the refinery’s management and workers in critical decision-making processes, promoting compromised staff, and orchestrating the removal of objective managers to facilitate questionable dealings.

The union further revealed that investigations by the Attorney General and the Special Prosecutor had substantiated their concerns, uncovering significant irregularities in TOR’s partnerships with private entities. The Special Prosecutor’s findings led to the suspension of the Tema Energy and Processing transaction.

While acknowledging the importance of private sector participation in TOR’s transformation, the GTPCWU stressed that such initiatives must not serve as a pretext for state asset exploitation. The union reiterated its commitment to supporting government efforts to restore transparency and good governance at TOR.

In addition to demanding the arrest of the three former board members, the union called on the President to direct the Ghana Police Service to apprehend individuals responsible for attacks on staff and the destruction of state property at TOR and other energy sector institutions.

The GTPCWU pledged to provide all necessary documentation to facilitate the proposed inquiry and urged swift action to rebuild public trust in TOR and the government’s commitment to accountability.

Source:dailydemocratsnewsonline.com