Dr. Edwin Alfred Provencal, the former Managing Director of Ghana’s Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company Limited (BOST), has reportedly been arrested by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) while attempting to leave the country. The incident occurred on Monday, 10 November 2025, at Kotoka International Airport (KIA) as Provencal was preparing to board a flight to Maputo, Mozambique.
Sources indicate that the former BOST chief’s name had been placed on a government stop-list since 8 October 2025, preventing him from traveling abroad. Officials say Provencal was unaware of the travel restriction until his arrest at the airport.
While EOCO has not publicly disclosed the exact allegations, the arrest is believed to be linked to ongoing scrutiny of BOST’s operations during Provencal’s tenure, particularly the controversial “Gold-for-Oil” programme. Analysts and policy watchdogs had previously raised concerns about governance, procedural lapses, and potential fiscal irregularities connected to the programme.
Provencal, who has previously defended his stewardship of BOST, maintains that all programmes implemented under his leadership were conducted transparently and within established governance frameworks. He has yet to comment publicly on his arrest at KIA.
The incident has sparked reactions from political and civil society figures. John Boadu, former General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), urged authorities to ensure that due process is followed while investigations continue, emphasizing the importance of accountability without compromising legal fairness.
Observers note that this arrest could have broader implications for Ghana’s energy sector, particularly in ensuring oversight of state-owned enterprises and reinforcing internal checks on financial and operational management. The EOCO investigation is expected to clarify whether formal charges will be filed against Provencal, or if the matter relates primarily to procedural or administrative breaches.
This development comes amid increased public scrutiny of corporate governance in state agencies, as Ghanaians call for stricter accountability measures to prevent mismanagement of national resources. With Provencal’s arrest attracting significant media attention, many are watching closely for official updates regarding the outcome of EOCO’s investigation and any potential prosecutions.
For now, Dr. Edwin Provencal remains in EOCO custody pending further legal proceedings, while government agencies prepare to release more detailed statements on the matter.
Source: Thepressradio.com
