A group identifying itself as United Voices for Change (UVC) has called for the dismissal of Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of several key state-owned enterprises in Ghana. 

The call comes amidst allegations of mismanagement leading to substantial financial losses within these organisations.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, 23 April 2024, the Convener of UVC, Sylvestin Ronald Antwi, highlighted concerns regarding the financial performance of several state-owned entities. 

Mr. Antwi pointed out that the Ghana Cocoa Board, Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), and the Ghana Airport Company Limited (GACL) have all recorded significant losses under the leadership of their respective CEOs.

According to Mr. Antwi, the Ghana Cocoa Board reported losses amounting to GHS161.3 million, GHS78.22 million, GHS320.57 million, GHS426.32 million, and GHS2.44 billion in the years 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021, respectively. This is despite the board recording profits of GHS329.3 million in 2014 and GHS152.15 million in 2015.

Mr Antwi further highlighted the losses incurred by the Ghana Water Company, which amounted to GHS692.2 million in 2017, GHS667.9 million in 2018, GHS2.6 billion in 2019, and GHS939 million in 2020, despite reporting a profit of GHS101.14 million in 2016.

The ECG also faced scrutiny, with Mr. Antwi revealing a loss of GHS1.914 billion in 2021, following profits of GHS181 million in previous years. In 2018 and 2019, the ECG reported losses of GHS1.47 billion and GHS2.27 billion, respectively.

Similarly, the Ghana Airport Company was accused of consistently reporting losses since 2019, with figures reaching GHS231.34 million in 2019, GHS434.77 million in 2020, and GHS252 million in 2021.

He emphasised that these losses indicate a failure on the part of the CEOs to fulfill their mandate of ensuring profitability and revenue generation for the state.

He urged President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to dismiss the CEOs immediately and called on the Attorney General to prosecute them for their alleged roles in the financial losses incurred by these state-owned enterprises.