Ghana National Gas Company Limited (GNGCL) has been plagued with what workers describe as transfers borne out of the viciousness of the Action Chief Executive Officer, Judith Blay.
In the latest transfers, which has left many edgy, several staff members from its Accra Office have been asked to report to their Atuabo office in Takoradi in the western region, sparking allegations of political vendetta and vindictiveness.
According to sources in the company, the transfers were carried out by Acting CEO, Ms. Judith Blay, allegedly targeting staff affiliated with the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and former CEO, Ben Asante.
Our sources who spoke on condition of anonymity, expressed their dismay and frustration over the sudden transfers, citing the negative impact on the health of affected staff and their families, the future careers as Ghanaians, and overall morale. Already staff have been apprehensive about her appointment as it raised eyebrows among sector players and employees.
“This is a clear case of political witch-hunt, aimed at punishing those perceived to be loyal to the previous administration,” one affected staff member lamented. “It’s unfair, unjust, and detrimental to the well-being of Ghana Gas staff.”
This is against what Dr. Asante did in 2017. He continued to work with all staff without dividing the front politically. He maintained current Deputy CEO in his previous role as General Manager (GM)-Operations and gave him significant roles. Others in critical roles were also left to function even though their affiliations to the NDC were known.
The transfers are estimated to have incurred a staggering cost of GH¢3 million to the corporation, a burden that could have been avoided if the decision had been based on merit rather than political considerations.
Staff per the HR manual are to be compensated for being transferred, a cost which is avoidable. Rather the Ag. CEO is allegedly making moves to employ some staff of hers from Petroleum Commission with the plans of planting them at Human Resource and Procurement.
Industry experts and CSO’s have warned that such vindictive actions could have far-reaching consequences on the morale and productivity of Ghana staff, ultimately affecting the company’s performance and reputation.
“The Ghana Gas should be guided by principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability, rather than allowing political considerations to dictate its decisions,” an industry analyst noted.”
As the dust settles, the Ministry of Energy is under pressure to intervene and address the concerns of the affected staff, ensuring that the company’s decisions are guided by merit and fairness, rather than politics.
In a related development, the Ag. CEO has terminated appointments of some staff who were employed before 7 December, 2024 which has also caused some apprehension.
In the meantime, the Ghana Gas staff remain anxious, awaiting a resolution to this contentious issue that has cast a dark cloud over the corporation’s operations.
Stay tuned for more.
