$800m gas deal can lead to judgment debt, don’t sign it – Mahama warns govt

John Dramani Mahama, flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has cautioned President Akufo-Addo against signing an $800 million gas processing contract, warning that it could lead to significant financial losses for the state in the future.

This warning follows allegations by Minority Spokesperson on Energy, John Jinapor, who claimed that the CEO of Ghana National Gas is being pressured by the presidency to approve the contract without proper legislative scrutiny.

During a community engagement at Town Council Line, in the Greater Accra Region, on Saturday, September 28, Mahama stressed the importance of presenting the contract to Parliament for approval.

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.

Mahama underscored the long-term implications of the contract, which could bind the country for years, and cautioned that those responsible would be held accountable if the state suffered financial losses.

“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.

“Even though there isn’t enough gas in sight, they are in a hurry to commit to this country for a second gas stream before they leave office.

“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.”

“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.”

He vowed to counter any actions that don’t serve the best interests of Ghanaians.

“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.”