Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA), Professor Ransford Edward Van Gyampo, has strongly denied allegations that he has personally recruited 28 women and two men into the Authority.

In a firm rebuttal issued on Tuesday, July 2, Prof Gyampo described the claims which have been circulated on some radio platforms and across social media as baseless and part of a grand scheme aimed at tarnishing his image due to his outspoken stance on governance issues in the past administration.

“I have not recruited 28 women and two men as alleged. I am not in charge of recruitment at my workplace,” he clarified.

“Recruitment over the years, I am told, has been done professionally by a private outsourced agency that follows a rigorous selection process.”

Prof Gyampo, who is also a Senior Political Science lecturer at the University of Ghana, revealed that while many of his supporters and admirers have urged him to ignore the attacks, he found it necessary to publicly respond and clarify the facts.

“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 record straight,” he stated.

No First-Class Travel, No Abuse of Public Funds

Addressing other allegations, Prof Gyampo denied claims that he had been abusing his position by undertaking excessive foreign trips at the expense of the taxpayer.

According to him, out of more than 38 possible travel opportunities linked to his role, he had only accepted four, all of which were duly approved by the Chief of Staff.

“Part of my work requires that I travel, and out of the over 38 opportunities, I have only honoured four, and these were with the expressed approval and permission from the Chief of Staff. Anyone can check for the evidence.”

He also refuted claims that he had flown first class or business class on these trips.

“I have never travelled in First Class or Business class. I remain the only CEO in Ghana who travels on an ECONOMY TICKET. Again, the evidence of my boarding passes for all four trips is there.”

Legal Action Looms

Prof Gyampo revealed that he has already engaged lawyers to take action against those behind the defamatory claims. He indicated that legal proceedings would begin within the week.

“My lawyers and other lawyers I don’t even know have taken over the matter and will deal with the individuals behind the baseless allegations this week.”

Standing Strong

Despite the attacks, the academic and public servant says he remains resolute and committed to serving the public interest. “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 silence me. I would remain myself and would always speak my mind on every national issue while focusing on my core job of championing the interests of shippers forcefully and proactively.”

Prof Gyampo concluded by expressing appreciation to all those who have supported him throughout the storm, reaffirming his determination to defend his integrity and continue advocating for national development.