Accra – In a dramatic turn on Monday, former Managing Director of the Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company (BOST), Dr Edwin Alfred Provencal, was apprehended at Kotoka International Airport as he tried to board a flight to Maputo. Authorities say his name had been on a flight‑watch list since early October, yet he appeared unaware of the restriction.
Why the arrest?
– The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) took him into custody after a tip‑off that he was attempting to leave Ghana despite a stop‑list issued by the agency.
– The move comes on the heels of an IMANI Africa risk assessment that flagged governance lapses in the Gold‑for‑Oil programme, implicating BOST’s former leadership.
What Provencal says
In a brief statement to EOCO, Provencal denied any wrongdoing, insisting that the Gold‑for‑Oil initiative was run with “strict transparency and corporate governance standards.” He added that he was on an official assignment when he was stopped.
Background
Provencal, who took the helm of BOST in August 2019, turned the state‑owned oil logistics firm from chronic losses into a profit‑making machine – posting GHC 163 million in 2021 and GHC 342 million in 2022, and earning the “CEO of the Year” award in the petroleum category just weeks ago ². His tenure, however, has also been marred by allegations of procurement irregularities and staff unrest.
Reactions
Former NPP General Secretary John Boadu, who broke the story, urged the courts to respect due process, warning that freezing suspects’ bank accounts could hamper their ability to hire legal counsel. The NPP has distanced itself from the case, emphasizing that any alleged misconduct is an individual matter, not a party issue.
What’s next?
Provencal remains in EOCO custody pending further investigations. If charged, he could face counts related to attempting to evade a lawful stop‑list and possible corruption offences tied to the earlier BOST audits. The case is expected to draw significant public and political attention as Ghana continues its fight against corruption in state enterprises.