Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the opposition Member of Parliament for North Tongu, has unveiled troubling details about a substantial financial transaction involving former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta. Ablakwa’s exposé reveals that Ofori-Atta approved a $34.9 million payment for spare parts for ambulances just five days before leaving office. This move, he claims, raises serious concerns about financial mismanagement and corruption.
The documents obtained by Ablakwa indicate that on February 9, 2024, Ofori-Atta authorized the payment to Service Ghana Auto Group Limited for parts for 307 ambulances. On the same day, he directed the Controller and Accountant-General to release $10 million of this amount. This sum was processed and received by the company on February 23, 2024.
Ablakwa argues that the cost of spare parts, calculated at $113,695 per ambulance, is excessively high compared to the cost of new ambulances. This discrepancy highlights the potential misuse of funds.
Further scrutiny reveals that Service Ghana Auto Group Limited was incorporated on April 24, 2020, more than a year after the ambulances were commissioned. The lack of a competitive procurement process and the company’s lack of prior experience raise concerns about favoritism.
Additionally, Service Ghana Auto Group Limited had previously received GHS 115,342,573 for servicing the ambulances between 2020 and 2023. With the new contract, the company stands to make a total of GHS 653 million, more than double the initial cost of the ambulances.
The Auditor-General’s special audit report, published on May 25, 2022, highlights several issues with Service Ghana Auto Group Limited, including inflated invoices and breaches of maintenance procedures. Despite these findings, the government proceeded with the $34.9 million contract.
Ablakwa plans to petition the Office of the Special Prosecutor for a formal investigation into the matter. He emphasizes the need for accountability and the protection of public funds.
The scandal involving the $34.9 million payment for ambulance spare parts underscores serious questions about financial oversight and governance in Ghana. The public awaits further action from the authorities to address these concerns.
Source: Ghana Web
