As the nation has concluded the much-anticipated transition of political power, one state-appointed official stands out for all the wrong reasons: Edwin Provencal, Managing Director of the Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation (BOST) Company Limited. Unlike his peers in other state agencies who have diligently followed protocol by preparing and submitting their handing-over notes, Edwin Provencal has refused to honorably step aside, clinging to his office amidst mounting controversies.
Ignoring Protocol and Tradition
The norm, as advised by senior officials from the outgoing Jubilee House under President Akufo-Addo, has been to ensure smooth transitions by finalizing and handing over all relevant documentation by January 6th, 2025. This process ensures that incoming administrations inherit a stable and transparent system. However, Edwin Provencal appears to be defying this well-established practice.
In his final days as MD, Provencal has rushed through questionable decisions that commit the incoming John Mahama administration to significant contracts, raising concerns about transparency, accountability, and potential corruption.
Controversial Haulage Contractors Registration
On December 27, 2024—just ten days before the end of the Akufo-Addo administration—Provencal issued letters instructing haulage contractors to re-register for the transportation of petroleum products for 2025. Historically, such registrations are conducted in June, making this rushed process unprecedented. Sources reveal that this move is an attempt to include politically motivated contractors linked to figures like Rebecca Akufo-Addo, Samira Bawumia, Napo, and Provencal’s own wife, who already holds lucrative contracts with BOST.
There are also allegations of Provencal collecting payments from certain contractors in exchange for preferential treatment, adding to the corruption cloud hanging over his tenure.
Last-Minute Payments and Petroleum Product Sales
In a bid to stifle the incoming administration, Provencal and his management team have reportedly made last-minute payments to contractors and sold off significant quantities of petroleum products intended for the country’s fuel security. These actions, described as “crippling tactics,” aim to financially and operationally handicap the incoming government.
Conflict of Interest and Board Complicity
The BOST board and senior management, many of whom have benefited from monthly petroleum product loadings—a clear conflict of interest—have openly supported Provencal’s controversial decisions. This complicity has fueled concerns about governance and accountability at the company under his leadership.
Other Alleged Misdeeds
Provencal’s tenure has been marred by politically motivated secondments, unnecessary transfers, unjustified redundancies, and selective promotions favoring NPP loyalists. These actions have created a hostile work environment for most staff and further eroded trust in BOST’s leadership.
Demolition of Kumasi Office
In yet another questionable move, Provencal has reportedly instructed the demolition of an office complex in Kumasi to make way for a new project. Staff have expressed concerns over the project’s poor scoping and inflated costs, raising red flags about the motives behind this decision.
The Question Everyone is Asking
After more than five years at the helm of BOST, what urgent tasks remain for Edwin Provencal to accomplish in his final days, especially after power has changed hands? His refusal to hand over honorably is not only an affront to tradition but also a challenge to Ghana’s commitment to good governance and smooth political transitions.
As the nation has ushered in a new administration, it is imperative that Provencal steps aside to allow for a transparent review of his actions. The incoming government must prioritize a thorough audit of BOST’s operations under his leadership to safeguard public resources and restore confidence in the company’s management.
