Duncan Amoah, Executive Secretary of the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC), is reportedly lobbying for the position of Chief Executive Officer at the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) in a potential John Mahama-led administration. This rumored move has sparked controversy within the National Democratic Congress (NDC), with critics accusing Amoah of opportunism after allegedly maintaining close ties with the New Patriotic Party (NPP) throughout its tenure in government.
Sources within the energy sector claim Amoah is leveraging connections within the NDC to secure the influential role. However, his perceived association with the NPP has met resistance from party loyalists, many of whom argue that such appointments should reward individuals who have consistently supported the NDC during its years in opposition.
A senior NDC member, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed frustration over Amoah’s lobbying efforts.
“This is someone who consistently benefited from NPA, BOST , GOIL Ghana Gas and oil marketing companies and now that the tide is turning, he’s angling for a top position in an NDC government. It’s unacceptable, and we won’t sit back and let it happen,” the source stated.
Critics believe that appointing individuals like Amoah to strategic roles could demoralize NDC grassroots supporters, many of whom have made significant sacrifices for the party.
Supporters of Amoah, however, defend his candidacy, citing his extensive experience in the energy sector and his vocal advocacy for consumer rights in Ghana’s petroleum industry. They argue that his expertise could be instrumental in addressing challenges within the downstream petroleum sector and restoring confidence in the NPA.
This controversy is unfolding against a backdrop of allegations that the NPA has been financially influencing civil society organizations (CSOs) within the energy sector. Earlier this year, The Hawk Newspaper reported that the NPA allegedly placed seven CSO leaders on a payroll of GHS 50,000 per month, purportedly to tame them from publicly criticizing the Authority’s policies and initiatives.
According to the report, the CSOs were expected to fulfill specific roles:
- Defensive Advocacy: Defending the NPA in public forums and media engagements, countering criticism, and promoting its initiatives.
- Praise Singing: Praising the NPA during controversies to reinforce its stance.
- Policy Silence: Refraining from publicly criticizing NPA policies or initiatives, effectively silencing potential watchdogs and limiting public discourse.
The alleged arrangement has raised serious concerns about the independence of civil society organizations in the energy sector, with critics warning that such practices undermine transparency and accountability.
As Duncan Amoah’s lobbying efforts continue to fuel debates within the NDC, the broader question of balancing loyalty, expertise, and public trust looms large over the party’s potential appointments.
