The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has issued a significant directive to the management of Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), instructing them to suspend a proposed partnership agreement with Tema Energy and Processing Limited. This comes as the OSP has expressed concerns about potential corruption risks associated with the proposed partnership. The OSP's letter, dated November 21, 2023, and addressed to TOR's Managing Director, Daniel Osei Appiah, emphasizes the need for a thorough analysis and investigation into the risks associated with the proposed partnership.
In the directive, TOR has been asked to provide all relevant documentation pertaining to the proposed agreement by the deadline of Tuesday, December 5, 2023. Additionally, the directive explicitly instructs TOR to cease all ongoing negotiations, operations, and related activities associated with the proposed partnership pending further guidance from the Special Prosecutor.
The reasons behind the OSP's decision to intervene in this matter are not entirely clear. However, recent events have shed light on internal controversies at TOR, particularly relating to a group of employees and board members allegedly establishing an entity named 'TOR Workers’ Charity Fund' without the knowledge or consent of the majority of the workforce. This move was suspected to be an attempt to clandestinely secure shares in the TOR-Torentco deal, now known as the TEMa Energy and Processing Limited (TEPL) agreement.
The registration of the TOR Workers’ Charity Trust on August 29 of this year has sparked allegations of collusion and impropriety, with several individuals, including board members, management staff, and union executives, being accused of orchestrating the establishment of the fund to facilitate the controversial TOR-Torentco transaction.
The OSP's directive is occurring against the backdrop of longstanding challenges faced by the Tema Oil Refinery. Despite its capacity to refine 45,000 barrels of oil per day, TOR has grappled with operational inconsistencies, financial losses, outdated equipment, and a history of management crises and political interference.
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