The Minister of Energy, Mr Albert Kan- Dapaah has cited a rift between Dr Yaw Akoto, Chief Executive of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) and the company's board of directors as one of the reasons for his removal.

Mr Kan- Dapaah, who disclosed this to the GNA on Wednesday, said this had affected the board. Reacting to a statement by the senior management staff demanding the reversal of Dr Akoto's transfer, Mr Kan Dapaah repeated that it was the government's prerogative to fire and hire, saying the workers position was untenable.

"In as much as we want stability in the form of fuel distribution in the country, we must look at other considerations beyond that which will make the refinery function properly with good management practices". He gave the assurance that when it was time for appointing a CEO, it would be done transparently to eliminate doubts.

Mr Kan-Dapaah said the reasons for Dr Akoto's transfer would be made known at the appropriate time, adding, however, that he (Dr Akoto) could come out if he so wished. When GNA contacted Dr Akoto, his answer was: "I cannot talk to you", saying it was for the minister to assign reasons.