Health Ministry Replies Okudzeto Ablakwa Over $34.9m Ambulance Spare Parts Scandal

The Ministry of Health has responded to the allegations made by the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, regarding a $34.9 million ambulance spare parts deal.

In a statement released on Thursday, July 25, the Ministry clarified that the contract was originally signed by the now-defunct Ministry of Special Development Initiatives with Service Auto Group Ghana Limited.

The contract covered after-sales service and maintenance for 307 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 315 CDI ambulances secured by the government in 2019.

The response comes after Mr Ablakwa raised an alarm about possible corruption in the deal for which reason he has proceeded to petition the Office of the Special Prosecutor.

The former Deputy Education Minister alleged that the deal was hastily approved by the Finance Minister five days before his removal from office and claimed that $10 million had already been paid to the company.

Mr Ablakwa says his actions seek to protect the remaining funds for the nation. He questioned the legitimacy of Service Auto Group Ghana Limited, noting that the company was incorporated on April 24, 2020—one year after the ambulances were commissioned in 2019.

The outspoken MP raised concerns about the company’s capacity to service the ambulances and was surprised that the government engaged them despite serious findings by the Auditor-General that questioned the company’s credibility.

He has also linked President Akufo-Addo’s two daughters to the company in question, alleging that his checks indicate that one of the directors of the company is a close business associate to Akufo-Addo’s daughters.

Without responding specifically to the corruption allegations, the Ministry of Health explained that the Finance Minister acted only upon the request of the Health Ministry after the Ministry of Special Development Initiatives was dissolved.

“The Ministry of Health would like to clarify that the Service Provider, Ghana Auto Group Limited, has not been paid an amount of $34.9 million as widely reported.”

“The Ministry of Health is committed to ensuring a sustainable maintenance regime for all fleets procured for the National Ambulance Service to provide reliable, efficient, and safe emergency medical services,” an excerpt of the statement said.

The Ministry added that it is ready to support any effort that will bring further clarity to this issue in the interest of the public.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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