Concerned Youth of Nzema Manle demand indigenous CEO for Ghana Gas

The Concerned Youth of Nzema Manle has called on President John Dramani Mahama to uphold tradition by appointing a qualified Nzema native as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana National Gas Company (GNGC) at Atuabo.

According to the group, recent developments at Ghana Gas have left many well-meaning Ghanaians—especially those familiar with the company’s operations and individuals within the gas enclave—deeply concerned and frustrated.

This appeal was made in a press statement issued and signed by the group’s Secretary, Mr. Albert Kweku Blay, and copied to the media.

The statement noted, "Last week, as our compatriots were organizing with the divisional police command for a peaceful demonstration, we were happy to read on social media that Dr. Ben Asante had resigned as CEO of Ghana Gas. However, after a further investigation from reliable sources, we learnt that Dr. Asante had actually been reassigned."

It explained that this unexpected development initially gave hope that the government would take steps to address concerns regarding leadership at Ghana Gas. However, disappointment set in when no permanent CEO was appointed, leaving the company under the leadership of a Caretaker CEO.

The statement raised concerns about the current acting CEO, who previously served as Director of Operations, alleging that he is actively working to secure the position permanently.

It stated, "This is concerning, notably, since the key assets like the four generator sets at Atuabo site deteriorated alarmingly under his watch."

The group further accused the Caretaker CEO of attempting to manipulate public opinion in his favor, saying, "Despite these issues, he appears to be positioning himself as a viable candidate for the CEO role, which directly contradicts the government's commitment to appointing someone from the Western Region, especially the Nzema land."

"While we respect the right of the Caretaker CEO to lobby for the position, we are deeply disturbed by the Machiavellian tactics employed to achieve this goal, which include efforts to sow discord within the Western Region and manipulate public opinion."

The statement further alleged that the acting CEO has been leveraging the media to advance his interests. "This individual has become a media personality, with news outlets promoting him and spreading misleading narratives."

It continued, "Some media outlets have even published internal photographs and false claims regarding his supposed acceptance by Ghana Gas staff."

The group also condemned what it described as fear-mongering tactics to justify the acting CEO’s appointment. "The Caretaker CEO and his supporters have begun circulating false claims that the country's energy security is at risk if an internal engineer is not appointed to head the company."

Describing these claims as baseless, the group added, "This preposterous rhetoric is not only unfounded but also dangerous as it creates unnecessary fear and instability, undermining the government's efforts to appoint a qualified CEO."

They further urged authorities to take action, stating, "We believe that such tactics, which seek to manipulate national sentiments for selfish gain, should be treated as a threat to national security, and the relevant authorities should act to prevent any actions that may jeopardize the integrity of our national assets."

The group emphasized the need for leadership that aligns with the government’s development agenda, particularly in resource management. It argued that appointing an indigenous expert from the Western Region would ensure fair regional representation in state-owned enterprises.

"We wish to emphasize that our call for an indigenous person from the Western Region to be appointed CEO is rooted in the spirit of the 1992 Constitution, with reference to the Directive Principle of State Policy, which mandates that regional balance be considered in public appointments."

The statement also highlighted concerns about Western Region’s underrepresentation in leadership positions at state institutions. "This regional imbalance is unfair and contrary to our Constitution's principles of equitable opportunity and representation."

Beyond fairness, the group pointed to economic reasons for appointing a native CEO. "Eight years ago, the Region had a visible and substantial representation among the staff of Ghana Gas."

However, it lamented that this is no longer the case. "Today, the rate of employment opportunities for indigenous people has declined dramatically."

The group also criticized Ghana Gas for sidelining local communities. "Even minor jobs are given to individuals outside the Region while the local community's participation in the company's operations has diminished."

It further reminded the government of the sacrifices made by the people of the Western Region. "In commitment to the national goal, their people provided lands without prior compensation with the view that at least, the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility would spur growth."

However, it accused Ghana Gas of neglecting the region. "On the contrary, under the guise of redefinition of the operational area, the company decided to renege on its natural commitment, while other regions have received far more developmental projects than the Western Region—a gross injustice to the people who have contributed so much to Ghana’s energy sector."

The group stressed that Western Region has significantly contributed to the national economy and deserves to benefit from its fair share of national resources. It therefore urged the government to uphold its commitment by appointing a qualified and deserving CEO from the Western Region to lead Ghana Gas.