A collective voice of whistleblowers, including traders and stakeholders under the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) initiatives, has corroborated a recent exposé by AMAGHANA ONLINE highlighting alleged conflicts of interest and abuse of power by the outgoing GEPA CEO, Dr. Afua Asabea Asare.
Read Part One of the Investigation Here:
Alarm Blows at GEPA: CEO Dr. Afua Asabea Asare Exposed Using AfCFTA as Her Piggy Bank Cash Cow
Motivated by the revelations, this group has exposed further claims of systemic corruption and unethical practices at GEPA. An anonymous petition intercepted by AMAGHANA ONLINE presents compelling evidence that implicates Dr. Asare in what is described as a “high-profile executive scandal.”
Details of the Petition
1. Conflict of Interest and Misuse of Resources
- The petition alleges that Dr. Asare and her deputy, Sammy Dentu, co-own NA’HA Organics, a private company producing and exporting goods in direct competition with SMEs supported by GEPA.
- Official registration documents list Dr. Afua Asabea Asare and Mr. Sammy Dentu as equal shareholders, with Dr. Asare’s daughter, Lily Asare, serving as a director of the company.
2. Suppression of Trade Opportunities
- Since August 2024, GEPA has reportedly failed to provide updates on export opportunities, causing delays and financial losses for SMEs.
- Staff are allegedly silenced under threats of dismissal and directed to route all communications exclusively through the CEO.
3. Manipulation of Trade Houses
- Investigative reports reveal that trade houses meant to support Ghanaian SMEs have been monopolized by NA’HA Organics, undermining ethical standards and GEPA’s mission.
4. Neglect of SMEs
- Many traders, some unsupported since 2023, claim financial hardship due to GEPA’s lack of transparency and follow-through.
Evidence Presented
The petition is backed by:
- A detailed investigative report.
- Photographic evidence of NA’HA Organics dominating trade house activities.
- Company registration documents confirming the conflict of interest.
Whistleblowers’ Demands
The whistleblowers have outlined the following demands:
- Immediate Investigation: A thorough and impartial inquiry into Dr. Asare’s conduct and GEPA’s operations.
- Accountability Measures: Holding the CEO and her deputy responsible for their actions.
- Restoration of Fair Practices: Ensuring transparency and equitable support for businesses under GEPA’s mandate.
- Closure of NA’HA Organics: Ceasing its operations in trade houses and subjecting the company to legal scrutiny.
The group emphasizes its nonpartisan stance, motivated solely by a commitment to justice and fairness.
Conclusion
The credibility of Ghana’s export initiatives and the livelihoods of SMEs are at stake. The whistleblowers urge swift action to restore transparency and trust within GEPA, ensuring its mandate to support local businesses is upheld.
