Health Ministry replies Ablakwa; says $34.9m ambulance spare parts deal signed in 2020, not 2024
The Ministry of Health has responded to the allegations made by the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, relating to a $34.9 million ambulance spare components deal.
In an announcement launched on Thursday, July 25, the Ministry clarified that the contract was initially signed by the now-defunct Ministry of Special Development Initiatives with Service Auto Group Ghana Limited.
The contract lined after-sales service and upkeep for 307 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 315 CDI ambulances secured by the federal government in 2019.
The response comes after Mr Ablakwa raised an alarm about potential corruption within the deal for which motive he has proceeded to petition the Office of the Special Prosecutor.
The former Deputy Education Minister alleged that the deal was rapidly accepted by the Finance Minister 5 days earlier than his elimination from workplace and claimed that $10 million had already been paid to the corporate.
Mr Ablakwa says his actions search to guard the remaining funds for the nation. He questioned the legitimacy of Service Auto Group Ghana Limited, noting that the corporate was integrated on April 24, 2020—one 12 months after the ambulances have been commissioned in 2019.
The outspoken MP raised issues concerning the firm’s capability to service the ambulances and was stunned that the federal government engaged them regardless of critical findings by the Auditor-General that questioned the corporate’s credibility.
He has additionally linked President Akufo-Addo’s two daughters to the company in question, alleging that his checks point out that one of many administrators of the corporate is an in depth enterprise affiliate to Akufo-Addo’s daughters.
- Read additionally: $34.9m Ambulance Spare Parts Deal: OSP acknowledges Ablakwa’s petition
Without responding particularly to the corruption allegations, the Ministry of Health defined that the Finance Minister acted solely upon the request of the Health Ministry after the Ministry of Special Development Initiatives was dissolved.
“The Ministry of Health wish to make clear that the Service Provider, Ghana Auto Group Limited, has not been paid an quantity of $34.9 million as broadly reported.”
“The Ministry of Health is dedicated to making sure a sustainable upkeep regime for all fleets procured for the National Ambulance Service to supply dependable, environment friendly, and secure emergency medical providers,” an excerpt of the assertion stated.
The Ministry added that it is able to help any effort that can convey additional readability to this concern within the curiosity of the general public.
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