Former BOST MD Allegedly Arrested, Held in EOCO Custody

Former Managing Director of the Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company Limited (BOST), Dr. Edwin Alfred Provencal, has reportedly been arrested and detained by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).

The news was disclosed by former New Patriotic Party (NPP) General Secretary, John Boadu, who expressed concern over the manner in which the arrest was conducted. According to him, Dr. Provencal was apprehended at the Kotoka International Airport on Monday, November 10, 2025, while preparing to board a flight to Maputo for an official assignment.

Speaking on Adom FM’s *Dwaso Nsem* programme, Mr. Boadu revealed that Dr. Provencal’s name had been on a flight watchlist since October 8, though the former BOST boss was reportedly unaware of it.

He stressed that while the NPP supports accountability and the rule of law, all procedures must be lawful and transparent. “We in the NPP are not saying that people should be shielded if they are guilty of wrongdoing, but due process must always be followed,” he stated.

The arrest follows a recent forensic risk assessment conducted by policy think tank IMANI Africa, which alleged that Ghana’s Gold-for-Oil initiative suffered governance lapses, fiscal losses, and weak oversight. The report also pointed to issues such as poor pricing control, lack of formal contracts between the Bank of Ghana and the Precious Minerals Marketing Company, and the potential for smuggling.

However, Dr. Provencal has denied allegations of corruption, maintaining that the programme operated under strict transparency and corporate governance standards.

Mr. Boadu cautioned against politicizing the issue, emphasizing that any financial misconduct should be treated as an individual matter rather than linked to the NPP. “If someone is accused of embezzling funds, it has nothing to do with the party. They might have supported their constituency or a candidate, but not the day-to-day running of the NPP,” he clarified.

He also expressed concern about the freezing of suspects’ bank accounts during investigations, arguing that it could prevent them from hiring legal representation. “Legal services are not free, and if one’s account is frozen, how do they pay for a lawyer?” he questioned.

Mr. Boadu urged authorities to ensure fairness, transparency, and adherence to due process to maintain public confidence in the justice system.