Ghana Chief of Staff Denies Involvement in NPA Director’s Retention Controversy

Ghana’s Chief of Staff Julius Debrah has refuted claims of involvement in the reappointment of Linda Boamah Asante, a former Deputy CEO of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), as Director of Inspections, Monitoring, and Health, Safety, and Environment (IM/HSSE).

Reports had alleged Debrah endorsed her retention despite her status as a political appointee from the previous administration.

“I’ve never met her in my life, neither do I even know her,” Debrah stated in response to inquiries by MyNewsGh.com. He did not clarify whether he was briefed on the matter within the NPA. Asante, appointed Deputy CEO in 2022 under former President Nana Akufo-Addo, reportedly retained her director role under new Acting CEO Godwin Tamakloe after colleagues Perry Okudzeto (Deputy CEO) and Dr. Mustapha Hamid (CEO) resigned.

Insiders claim Asante’s reappointment bypassed standard recruitment protocols. Political appointees like Asante, elevated under Section 49 (1) of the NPA Act, typically exit with administration changes unless formally rehired. Sources allege her retention followed a “UK meeting,” though specifics remain undisclosed. Critics argue the move undermines procedural fairness, given her ties to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and relationships with Akufo-Addo and former Energy Minister Matthew Opoku Prempeh.

Acting CEO Tamakloe has not publicly detailed the recruitment process for Asante’s role. The NPA has yet to issue an official statement on the matter, fueling speculation about political influence in staffing decisions.

The controversy underscores recurring tensions over political appointees retaining roles in state agencies post-election cycles. Similar debates have arisen in other sectors, with critics advocating stricter adherence to public service regulations to prevent perceived patronage. Ghana’s civil service reforms, aimed at depoliticizing appointments, face persistent challenges as administrations transition, highlighting gaps between policy and implementation.