Presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC),John Dramani Mahama, has cautioned President Akufo-Addo against a plan to sign an $800 million gas processing contract.
According to him, signing that contract could lead to huge financial loss to the state in the future.
He suggested that the government’s rush to sign the deal is driven by self-interest, as they near the end of their term in office.
“At this late stage of your government, you should not be busy signing contracts that will bind this nation for many years. Let me warn all involved in this contract that they will be held responsible if the state suffers a financial loss.”
“The NPP administration knows they are going out of office, they are trying to sign an agreement and commit this country to certain projects for which they would want to take advantage. For 8 years, this government has not invested in producing more gas.”he said.
Speaking during a community engagement at Town Council Line on Saturday, September 28, Mahama reiterated the importance of presenting the contract to Parliament for approval.
“And I’m telling them this could lead to financial loss to the state, and it could lead to judgment debts. So if they haven’t signed yet, they shouldn’t sign it. This $800 million gas processing contract must go to Parliament for approval. You cannot hide and sign this contract behind the people of Ghana. We will hold you to account if it results in judgment debts.”
Mr Mahama stressed that, “Even though there isn’t enough gas in sight, they are in a hurry to commit this country for a second gas stream before they leave office.”
“I have promised the people of Ghana not just jobs and prosperity but also accountability. You can be assured that under the Mahama presidency, acts that are not in the interest of the good people of this country will not be allowed to proceed.”