The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA), Prof. Ransford Gyampo, has strongly refuted allegations of secret recruitment and extravagant travel expenses
A communicator of the opposition New Patriotic Party, Benjamin Gyewu leveled the allegations against Prof. Gyampo in a media interview.
However, Prof. Gyampo said the claims are false and politically motivated. In a statement captioned “Responding to Baseless Allegations Against Me,” Prof. Gyampo disclosed he felt compelled to address what he described as a smear campaign aimed at silencing him due to his outspoken views on national governance regardless of advice from many quarters not to respond.
“Lies become truth in the psyche of many people in Ghana when they aren’t corrected,” he stated, adding that his response was intended “to set the records straight,” not to validate what he believes is a calculated attempt to discredit him.
Prof. Gyampo categorically denied reports that he had recruited 28 women and two men at the Authority. “I am not in charge of recruitment at my workplace,” he clarified, explaining that all staff hiring is handled by an independent private agency through a “rigorous and professional process.”
Responding directly to the claims of excessive international travels and flying first class, Prof. Gyampo revealed he has only embarked on four foreign trips out of 38 official opportunities, all with the express clearance from the Chief of Staff; adding none of the trips were on first class.
“I have never travelled in First Class or Business Class. I remain the only CEO in Ghana who travels on an economy ticket,” he emphasised.
Prof. Gyampo threatened a legal action against those behind the accusations. “My lawyers—and even other lawyers I don’t know—have taken over the matter and will deal with the individuals behind the baseless allegations this week,” he indicated
He further reiterated his commitment to national service and the determination to speak truth to power.
“Baseless allegations have never been enough to silence me. I will always speak my mind on every national issue while focusing on my core job of championing the interests of shippers forcefully and proactively.”
Below is the full statement from Prof. Ransford Gyampo.
RESPONDING TO BASELESS ALLEGATIONS AGAINST ME
My attention has been drawn to some allegations made against me on some radio stations and on social media. I wish to thank all my admirers, well wishers, and teaming supporters all over the world on social media, for calling on me to ignore and not to respond. But unfortunately, lies become truth in the psyche of many people when they aren’t corrected. So, I plead that I am allowed to respond, not to the already known grand scheme against me because of my vociferousness against bad governance in the previous regime, but merely as a way to set the records straight.
I have not recruited 28 women and two men as being alleged. I am not in charge of recruitment at my work place. Recruitment over the years, I am told, has been done professionally by a private outsourced agency that follows a rigorous selection process.
Part of my work require that I travel and out of the over 38 opportunities, I have only honored 4 and these were with the expressed approval and permission from the Chief of Staff. Anyone can check for the evidence.
I have never travelled on First Class or Business class. I remain the only CEO in Ghana who travels on ECONOMY TICKET. Again the evidence of my boarding passes for all the four trips are there
My Lawyers and other lawyers I don’t even know, have taken over the matter and would deal with the individuals behind the baseless allegations, this week.
I assure all that I know the public confidence in me and I won’t do anything to betray the trust reposed in me. All must also be assured that baseless allegations have never been enough to silent me. I would remain myself and would always speak my mind on every national issues while focusing on my core job of championing the interest of shippers forcefully and proactively.
Thanks to all.
