STELCO procurement head dismissed following Shamah’s removal

STELCO has dismissed its Procurement Department General Manager, Azhadh Rameez, shortly after the company’s Managing Director, Ahmed Shamah Rasheed, was removed from his post.

Sun has learned that Azhadh was dismissed on Sunday, the same day Shamah was sacked. Dr. Ali Azwar has since been appointed as STELCO’s new Managing Director.

The dismissals come amid the circulation of an audio clip on social media on Sunday, allegedly featuring Shamah. In the clip, a voice claims that Azhadh and another individual “knew what he was doing” inside the company. However, it remains unclear whether the voice belongs to Shamah.

Azhadh’s dismissal followed the leak of the audio. Both officials are believed to be facing corruption-related allegations, though no official statement has been issued confirming this.

Speaking to Sun, Shamah denied any wrongdoing and insisted the audio was fabricated.

“Look, it’s a fabricated audio. It’s not true at all,” he said.

Shamah was appointed Managing Director of STELCO on September 8 last year. The Privatization and Corporatization Board (PCB) confirmed his dismissal with effect from Sunday but did not disclose the reason.

This is Shamah’s second removal from a senior SOE position during the current administration. He previously served as CEO of MIFCO, where he was suspended on March 18, 2024, over a corporate governance inquiry. The suspension, initially set to expire on March 31, was extended until April 21 and lifted on April 24. He continued to receive salary and allowances during the suspension period.

Shamah was dismissed from MIFCO on May 21, 2024, and was subsequently appointed State Minister for Fisheries before being appointed to STELCO.