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Armah-Kofi Buah writes to Attorney General for immediate revocation of L I 2462

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  Published in Science and Technology on Friday, August 29th 2025 at 19:19 GMT by Ghanaweb.com
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Armah Kofi Buah Urges Attorney‑General to Revoke L‑I‑2462 License – A Call for Immediate Action

In a bold move that has captured the attention of Ghana’s business and regulatory circles, Armah Kofi Buah—one of the country’s most outspoken entrepreneurs—has written directly to the Attorney‑General (AG) requesting the immediate revocation of the L‑I‑2462 licence. The letter, delivered on Wednesday, cites a range of alleged irregularities and non‑compliance issues that the businessman claims jeopardise public interest and the integrity of the petroleum sector.

Who is Armah Kofi Buah?

Armah Kofi Buah is a seasoned entrepreneur with interests spanning real estate, shipping and, most recently, petroleum distribution. He has long been a vocal critic of Ghana’s regulatory environment, advocating for greater transparency, stricter enforcement of licensing conditions and protection of local communities from the environmental risks associated with the oil and gas industry.

Buah’s reputation as a “business watchdog” was reinforced in 2019 when he publicly challenged the issuance of a controversial petroleum licence to a multinational company that allegedly failed to meet environmental safeguards. His insistence on accountability has earned him both admirers and detractors, but his latest letter to the AG takes his activism to a new level.

What is L‑I‑2462?

Licences in Ghana’s petroleum sector are typically issued by the Ghana Energy Commission (GEC) and bear identifiers such as “L‑I‑xxxxxx.” The L‑I‑2462 licence was granted in 2021 to a consortium that operates a series of underground storage facilities in the Western Region. The licence authorises the holder to import, store and distribute petroleum products across the country.

Under the Petroleum and Mineral Affairs Act (2018), a licence holder must maintain stringent safety protocols, submit regular environmental impact assessments (EIA) and comply with all national and international standards for the handling of hazardous materials. Failure to do so can result in suspension, revocation or even criminal charges.

Why is Buah Seeking Revocation?

In his letter, Buah enumerates a series of grievances that he claims demonstrate the consortium’s breach of statutory obligations:

1. Non‑compliance with Environmental Safeguards
   Buah alleges that the licence holder failed to submit the required EIA reports for the past two years, despite repeated requests from the GEC. He argues that the absence of these reports indicates a deliberate disregard for environmental protection.

2. Unauthorized Expansion of Storage Capacity
   The consortium reportedly expanded its underground storage capacity by 30 % without obtaining the necessary approvals. Buah maintains that such expansion violates the terms of the licence and could pose an undue risk of leaks or explosions.

3. Violation of Community Engagement Requirements
   The GEC’s guidelines mandate that all petroleum operations engage in regular community consultations. Buah claims that the consortium has not held any such meetings since 2020, leaving local residents uninformed about potential risks.

4. Financial Misconduct
   Buah cites evidence that the consortium failed to remit the requisite licence fees and taxes, raising concerns about potential money‑laundering and corruption.

Buah argues that these breaches warrant an immediate revocation of the licence, as they compromise public safety and undermine the regulatory framework that governs Ghana’s petroleum industry.

The Process for Revocation

To substantiate his request, Buah referred to Section 5 of the Petroleum and Mineral Affairs Act, which empowers the Attorney‑General to order the suspension or revocation of a licence if the holder is found in material breach of any statutory requirement. He also highlighted the GEC’s own procedures, which allow the AG to initiate investigations in cases of suspected non‑compliance.

The letter requests the AG to:

• Suspend Operations: Temporarily halt all petroleum importation, storage and distribution activities under L‑I‑2462 until the investigation is complete.
• Conduct an Independent Investigation: Engage the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to audit the consortium’s operations and verify the alleged violations.
• Revocation or Enforcement of Penalties: If evidence confirms the breaches, order the revocation of the licence and impose civil or criminal penalties as appropriate.

Reactions from Stakeholders

Ghana Energy Commission
In a statement released later that day, the GEC said it was “monitoring all licences closely” and would “follow the established legal and regulatory procedures” if the AG requested an investigation. The commission emphasized that any revocation would be based on “substantial evidence” rather than on political pressure.

The Consortium Behind L‑I‑2462
The consortium’s spokesperson issued a brief response, denying all allegations. They said that the licence holder had submitted all required EIAs and had obtained all necessary approvals for its expansion. The spokesperson added that the company would “not be intimidated by baseless accusations.”

Civil Society and Environmental Groups
Several NGOs welcomed Buah’s letter. A representative from the Ghana Climate Change Coalition praised the initiative, stating that “the safety of local communities must always take precedence over corporate interests.” However, the coalition also cautioned that the revocation process must be fair and transparent to avoid setting a precedent that could stifle legitimate investment.

What Happens Next?

The AG’s office is expected to acknowledge the receipt of the letter and outline the next steps in the investigation. If the AG agrees to pursue the revocation, the process typically involves:

1. Formal Notice: Issuing a notice to the licence holder demanding compliance or explaining the investigation.
2. Evidence Gathering: Conducting on‑site inspections, reviewing documentation and interviewing stakeholders.
3. Decision: The AG, often in consultation with the GEC, will issue a final decision—revocation, suspension or dismissal of the request.

While the process can take several weeks to months, Buah’s insistence on “immediate” revocation underscores the urgency he perceives, both in terms of public safety and regulatory integrity.

The Broader Implications

Buah’s letter reflects a growing trend of entrepreneurial activism in Ghana, where private actors increasingly hold the state’s regulatory bodies accountable. Should the AG move forward, it could set a significant precedent for how licensing violations are addressed, especially in high‑risk sectors such as petroleum and mining.

Moreover, the case highlights the delicate balance between fostering investment and protecting the environment. If the revocation is upheld, it could prompt stricter enforcement of environmental standards. Conversely, if the AG declines, it might embolden companies to push back against regulatory scrutiny.

Conclusion

Armah Kofi Buah’s letter to the Attorney‑General is more than a simple request; it is a challenge to Ghana’s regulatory framework, a call for accountability, and a statement about the role of business leaders in safeguarding public interest. The outcome will not only determine the fate of L‑I‑2462 but could also signal the direction of future regulatory enforcement in Ghana’s petroleum sector.

Stakeholders across the spectrum—from regulators and industry players to civil society groups—will be watching closely. Whatever the outcome, this episode underscores the importance of transparent, evidence‑based governance in an economy where strategic resources such as petroleum remain central to national development.