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The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has issued a directive to the management of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) to halt its proposed partnership agreement with Tema Energy and Processing Limited (TEPL). This suspension follows the OSP’s initiation of a corruption risk assessment linked to the intended partnership.
In a letter dated November 21, 2023, addressed to TOR’s Managing Director, Daniel Osei Appiah, the OSP instructed an immediate suspension of the proposed partnership agreement, ongoing negotiations, and all related activities until further guidance from the Special Prosecutor.
This decision by the Special Prosecutor stemmed from protests by TOR staff opposing the collaboration with Torentco Asset Management Limited, now known as Tema Energy and Processing Limited. The General Transport, Petroleum, and Chemical Workers Union of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) Ghana had petitioned the Special Prosecutor on Monday, November 20, urging an investigation into the lease agreement between TOR and Torentco Asset Management Limited.
The Workers Union raised concerns about potential misrepresentation regarding a non-existent entity named “TOR Workers Charity Trust,” purportedly offering 20% shares to TOR workers. They voiced apprehension over compromised actions by TOR’s Board of Directors in the deal, suspecting a detriment to the country’s interests.
Expressing their dismay, the Workers Union highlighted the Board’s alleged persistence in favoring the lease to Torentco/TEPL despite red flags. They cited alternative proposals by other entities like Falcon American Oil and Legacy Capital, which were reportedly disregarded.
This petition to the Special Prosecutor came after attempts to seek intervention from various authorities, including the Ministry of Energy, Parliamentary Select Committee on Mines and Energy, SIGA, the Public Procurement Authority, Ministry of Justice, Attorney General’s department, and Ministry of Finance.
The Workers Union invoked whistleblower protocols, emphasizing their petition as a final recourse to prevent a situation similar to the ECG/PDS scandal. Their aim was to ensure transparency and safeguard against potential irregularities in the TOR partnership deal.
