In what could best be described as a direct reflection of the saying, when an opportunity is deprived, a more rewarding one avails itself, Managing Director of Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Col Ltd (BOST), Kingsley Awuah Darko has proven that, indeed, there is life after politics.
Having been denied the opportunity to represent the people of Ayawaso West Wuogon in Ghana’s legislative House despite investing heavily in his 2012 campaign, an undaunted Awuah Darko, journeyed on to ‘restart’ life outside politics and his name has since, become “the talk of town.”
Not only is he being touted as among outstanding and hardworking Chief Executives in the John Mahama-led National Democratic Congress administration, Mr. Awuah Darko, is also credited with having to concurrently; revive and turned around the fortunes of two almost collapsed state companies.
After losing the Ayawaso West Wuogon seat to the New Patriotic Party’s Emmanuel Kyeremateng Agyarko in the parliamentary election in December 2012, Mr Awuah Darko was later to be appointed by President John Mahama to head the near comatose BOST.
Unlike his other fortunate colleagues who were appointed chief executives of state enterprises with bright prospects, the failed parliamentary candidate inherited a practically “dead” BOST which was drenched in debts and was also struggling to carry out its mandates.
At a point, many doubted if BOST could bounce back considering the bad image in which it was cast and also how reports of its inability to honor its financial commitment to clients scared away prospective investors.
But it took the ingenuity and prudence of Mr Awuah Darko and his management team to revive the hitherto moribund company to such an extent that the company’s depot at Bolgatanga in the Upper East region which was inactive for four years resumed full operations; storage and distribution of petrol and diesel.
Worn-out storage facilities throughout the country which were previously empty have been upgraded and given major facelift to commence comprehensive commercial activities.
Among strategies adopted by Mr Awuah Darko and his team which has confounded many was how, they successfully rolled out policies that have checkmate the manipulative tactics of bulk oil distributors who hitherto held the nation to ransom.
The swift and impressive manner, in which the failed politician revived the previously rundown BOST perhaps, enthralled President John Mahama so much. And as if to say Mr Awuah Darko holds the key to reviving collapsing state institutions, the President, in June 2015 “asked Mr Awuah Darko to take over responsibility for the management of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR)” which was also on the brink of collapse, a statement signed by Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah noted. Despite stiff opposition from some employees of TOR who were alleged to be benefiting from the sordid state of the company, and some so-called corporate governance gurus, the indefatigable failed Ayawaso West Wugon parliamentary aspirant was made to head both BOST and TOR.
While insisting it is unconstitutional for one person to concurrently head two state-owned enterprises (SOEs), the so-called governance gurus added that, the situation has the potential of slowing down serious corporate decisions and breeding corruption in the system.
To the chagrin of these naysayers who tried using sections of the media to discredit Mr Awuah Darko; TOR, under his watch, has now resumed operations after almost two years of inactivity which led to it incurring huge debts and layoffs.
The refinery, which went on its knees in 2009, following government’s inability to inject capital into its operations, saw many of its skilled engineers and technicians sojourning the Gulf States in search of greener pastures.
To this end, Mr Awuah Darko has not only succeeded in reviving two moribund important state organizations, he has indeed, written his name in sands of gold in the history of Ghana.
For his tenacity, vision and continued contribution towards the development of the country even without being successful with his parliamentary bid, The aL-hAJJ say to Mr. Kingsley Kwame Awuah Darko, Ayeeeeekoo!
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