Former Managing Director of the Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company Limited (BOST), Mr. Edwin Alfred Provencal, has reportedly been arrested by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) after allegedly attempting to travel abroad despite being on a government stop list.
Sources confirm that the arrest took place at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) on Monday, November 10, 2025, when the former BOST boss was about to board a flight to Maputo, Mozambique. EOCO officials swiftly intervened after immigration officers flagged his name on the stop list, preventing him from leaving the country.
According to multiple reports, Mr. Provencal was placed on a stop list on October 8, 2025, in connection with ongoing investigations into his tenure at BOST. The stop list, issued by EOCO, restricts certain individuals from traveling outside the country while investigations are ongoing.
It is alleged that Mr. Provencal attempted to leave Ghana without the necessary clearance, claiming he was unaware of being placed on the list. His arrest has since sparked conversations about transparency and accountability within Ghana’s energy sector, especially in relation to BOST’s recent operational controversies.
Edwin Provencal served as the Managing Director of BOST from 2019 to 2024. During his time in office, he was credited with several reforms aimed at reviving the state-owned petroleum storage and distribution company. Under his leadership, BOST reportedly conducted a forensic audit that saved Ghana over $28 million, and he championed digital transformation initiatives to improve efficiency within the company. He was also a vocal supporter of Ghana’s Gold-for-Oil policy, which aimed to stabilize fuel prices and reduce forex pressures.
However, his tenure was not without controversy. Allegations of financial mismanagement and procurement irregularities reportedly surfaced after his exit from office, prompting EOCO to begin investigations.
The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) is said to be investigating certain transactions that occurred during Provencal’s administration at BOST. Though specific charges have not yet been disclosed, sources close to the investigation suggest that EOCO is looking into financial inconsistencies and possible breaches of procurement laws. Mr. Provencal is currently in EOCO custody, assisting investigators with ongoing inquiries. The agency has yet to issue an official statement on the matter, but insiders say a press briefing could be expected in the coming days.
The news of the arrest has generated mixed reactions across political and social platforms. Some Ghanaians view the move as a positive step toward accountability, while others caution against political witch-hunting. Political analysts note that given the strategic importance of BOST in Ghana’s energy sector, any corruption scandal linked to its former executives could have wider implications for governance and public confidence.
Former NPP executives have also called for due process, urging EOCO to handle the matter transparently and ensure that the former MD’s rights are respected throughout the investigation.
The arrest of Edwin Provencal raises important questions about governance and the management of state-owned enterprises. It also highlights EOCO’s increased vigilance in monitoring financial irregularities within the public sector. Should EOCO find substantial evidence against Mr. Provencal, the case could lead to prosecution and a broader investigation into BOST’s operations during his tenure. Conversely, if the former MD is cleared, it could restore confidence in his record of leadership and vindicate his reformist image.
The dramatic arrest of former BOST Managing Director Edwin Provencal underscores Ghana’s ongoing struggle to strengthen transparency and accountability in the public sector. While details remain limited, the situation is rapidly developing. EOCO’s next steps — whether the filing of formal charges or the release of an official statement — will be crucial in determining the direction of this high-profile case.
For now, Mr. Provencal remains in EOCO custody, as investigators continue their probe into his activities during his time at the helm of BOST.
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