“Square pegs on GNPC board”; Kwakye replies Atik Mohammed (audio)

Names of new board members for the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) were on Thursday announced and according to the General Secretary of the People’s National Convention (PNC), Mohammed Atik, there were “square pegs in round holes,” on the board.

The board is to be chaired by the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) acting National Chairman, Mr Freddie Blay with other members as Mr K.K. Sarpong, Managing Director of GNPC and Mr Kwabena Kwakye, host of the popular Boiling Point political talk programme aired on Accra based Oman FM on Tuesdays and Thursdays. 

Mr Kwakye is also a panel member on the Oman FM morning show programme and occasionally holds the ‘fort’ when the regular anchor, Fiifi Boafo was not available.  

The other members of the GNPC board are Naa Prof J. S. Nabilla, former president of the National House of Chiefs and Wulugu Naba, Mr Yaw Kyei, Nana Adwoa Hackman, and Ogyeahohoᴐ Yaw Gyebi II, Paramount Chief of Sefwi Anhwiaso and President of the Western Regional House of Chiefs.

Appearing as a panel member on the Ekosii Sen political talk show programme on Asempa FM on Thursday, Atik Mohammed queried when the name of Kwabena Kwakye was mentioned as a member of the board.

The host of the Ekosii Sen programme, KABA during Thursday’s broadcast announced the new board members based on a letter the Chief of Staff, Madam Frema Osei Opare had written to the Energy Minister,for him to make arrangements and swear in the new board.

And when it got to the turn of Kwakye, Atik asked for clarification and said “ehh!, which Kwabena Kwakye,” 

When KABA explained his information was that it was the host of Boiling Point, Atik said “government is a serious business,” and suggested there were square pegs in round holes on the board.

Before he made his submissions, Atik asked the host to play Kofi Kinaata’s popular ‘Confession’ song for him and said “Ewurade begye steer no” to wit God should take control of the wheel.

Kwakye’s responds

Listen to Mr Kwakye's responds here {mp3}kwakye_replies_atik_mohammed_gnpc_board{/mp3}

Responding Thursday evening on the Boiling Point programme, Mr Kwakye said he has requested for the recording to enable him respond appropriately and insisted he was not going to brag, but said he had knowledge and competencies in petroleum issues. 

Kwakye who has worked as Parliamentary and Presidential correspondent quoted Professor Kofi Agyekum of Legon, Professor Kwesi Yankah, Mr Kwabena Agyapong and Mr K.T. Hammond among other people as his referees if anybody wanted to assess his competencies.

He expressed gratitude to President Akufo-Addo for nominating him to the board.   

Writer's email: enoch.frimpong@graphic.com.gh

Follow @enochfrimpong

Mr Kwabena Kwakye