New Land Cruiser for CEO: Ghana Shippers’ Authority defends decision to purchase Luxury

The Head of Procurement at the Ghana Shippers Authority, Enoch Brew Amofa, has defended the Authority’s decision to purchase a new Land Cruiser for its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Professor Ransford Gyampo. According to Mr. Amofa, the procurement process for the vehicle began before Prof. Gyampo took office.

Speaking to The High Street Journal, Mr. Amofa explained that the decision to acquire the vehicle was initiated in 2023 and was scheduled to be completed in 2024. However, the outgoing CEO postponed the process, stating that the new CEO should make the decision upon assuming office. Mr. Amofa emphasized that this procurement was part of routine processes at the Authority and not a new or impulsive decision tied to Prof. Gyampo. He added that the CEO was initially opposed to the decision, although the advertised tender bears his address.

Currently, the CEO has access to three vehicles: a 2022 Nissan Patrol, a 2022 VW Passat, and a 2018 Land Cruiser. Mr. Amofa however said these vehicles are pool cars used by other staff members as well, making it necessary for the CEO to have a dedicated vehicle. He added that the existing Land Cruiser is unfit for long-distance travel, often leading the Authority to rent vehicles for such purposes when required by the previous CEO.

Despite these justifications, the decision to purchase a new vehicle has sparked some controversy, especially given President John Dramani Mahama‘s administration’s focus on fiscal prudence and efficient management of public resources. The administration has pledged to reset the economy, calling for reduced wasteful expenditure across government institutions.

Critics argue that the purchase of a new vehicle contradicts the government’s broader goals of financial discipline. Concerns have also been raised about the timing, as the government has encouraged all state agencies to curb non-essential spending in the midst of financial challenges.

Prof. Gyampo’s appointment to the Ghana Shippers Authority was viewed as a strategic move to bring fresh leadership, especially given his history of advocating transparency and efficiency in governance. However, the proposed vehicle purchase has raised questions about the alignment of the Authority’s actions with the government’s commitment to curbing excesses.

In response to these concerns, the Procurement Department insists that its decision is well-founded. Mr. Amofa maintains that the new vehicle is necessary to support the CEO’s duties and ensures that the Authority continues to operate efficiently. However there are questions about the proprietary of the decision since the Authority is yet to have its board in place.

As the debate continues, the Ghana Shippers Authority’s actions will remain under scrutiny, especially as the government pushes for increased accountability and cost-saving measures across public institutions.

Source: TheHighStreeJournal