Blay, K.K. Sarpong in the GNPC war

General News of Sunday, February 17, 2019

Source: clbadfmonline.com

2019-02-17

The hiring of a Procurement Officer at the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) on the basis of a directive from the chairman of the oil company's board of directors, Freddie Blay, created a misunderstanding between him and the general manager, KK Sarpong.

In a letter, Mr. Sarpong accused Mr. Blay of having exceeded his limits by ordering the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to proceed with the non-recourse recruitment process (Dr. Sarpong), even though the CFO was subordinate .

Mr. Sarpong indicated in his letter that he viewed Mr. Blay's action as an interference and accused him of having used his role as National President of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). in power to perform functions within the GNPC without recourse to professional standards.

"The operational organization of the GNPC entrusts the direct supervision of the purchasing function to the Chief Executive Officer (Administration), which however reports to the Chief Finance Officer. Supervising the purchasing function does not give the CFO the appointing authority under the GNPC rules and regulations.

"I want to reiterate that the responsibility for hiring staff is the responsibility of the CEO and not the CFO. I have already informed Ms. Comfort Aniagyei, Chief Financial Officer, that she had no mandate to recruit staff, notwithstanding your directive, unless I specifically request it, "said the Dr. Sarpong.

He added, "It is clear to me that you are using your position as President of the ruling party to force your way on issues that need to be dealt with professionally. I will humbly advise you to refrain from giving instructions to my subordinates and to treat me more as General Manager. "

In his response, Mr. Blay challenged the CEO's claims, insisting that the board had the power to recruit officers. He subsequently requested the withdrawal of the letter sent by the Director General to the Chief Financial Officer confirming the recruitment of the Procurement Officer.

"It should be clear to you that it is the board of directors and not the general manager who is the appointing authority. The professionalism, to which you refer in your letter, requires that the CEO of a state-owned entity act in accordance with the law and respect it.

"Even if you must take the initiative, you are legally and professionally obliged to seek the approval of the board of directors for all recruitments and reorganizations," said Mr. Blay.

He added, "The truth is under your direction and your watch; our company has not had a purchasing manager for so long, despite the many directives from the board to your office to take the necessary steps to fill this position. This breach of duty simply can not last.

"Playing the blame game, in which you are now engaged, will not pbad. The responsibility stops with you, Dr. K.K. Sarpong, as CEO. Please understand very clearly that the recent directive of the Board of Directors and the two-week ultimatum on this issue were communicated to the CFO, also in his capacity as Acting CEO, at the meeting. emergency. The ultimatum rises and it is up to you to comply with it or not to take it into account. "