The controversial office complex for the Ghana National Gas Company (GNCG) to be constructed in Atuabo in the Western Region, will last a century, according to Chief Executive Officer, George Sipa Yankey.

The cost of the project is the subject of a series of investigative reports by Joy News’ Manasseh Azure Awuni, which is said to be estimated at $37 million, more expensive than the four-storey World Bank office complex in Accra which cost $30 million.

However, speaking on the Super Morning Show on Joy FM, Tuesday, November 4, 2014, Dr. Sipa Yankey said it was untrue that the project was going to cost the nation $37 million.

He explained, the project is a six-storey facility that will also provide office space to other companies operating from the area. He said estimate for the construction of the complex currently stands at $34 million and is yet to be approved by the Board of Directors.

“As I speak to you now it’s a proposal…the board has not given any approval to anything and I can’t sign any agreement without approval of the board” emphasizing that “This facility is not just an office building it’s an operational hub”.

According to Dr. Sipa Yankey, the multi-purpose facility is being built with high-quality materials that can withstand the condition of the area, due to its proximity to the sea.

He added: “The World Bank facility is a four-storey concrete building costing $30 million”.

“Because the facility is close to the shore we are using a lot of anti-rust materials and certain type of equipment to ensure that the facility can last us for the next 100 years.  So let’s compare apples with apples don’t compare bananas with plantains because they have the same shape, no!”

“We are saving this country $1 billion every year in terms of foreign currency and then saving the country half a billion [dollars] every year…you don’t expect us to go and build some village type of facility…”