The Minority in Parliament has accused the government of artificially inflating the cost of 307 ambulances purchased in 2019 by over $29 million.
The caucus argues that the total cost for the ambulances should not have exceeded $25 million, given the unit price of $80,000 each.
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Chairman of the Government Assurances Committee of Parliament, has called for full accountability and legal action against those involved in the procurement deal.
He highlighted findings from the Auditor General’s 2022 performance audit, which uncovered discrepancies in the cost.
According to the audit, while the unit price was $80,000, the total amount paid was $54.3 million, significantly higher than the expected $25 million.
Ablakwa also alleged that between 2020 and 2023, Service Ghana Auto Group Limited, a company connected to Stephen Okoro—an in-law of President Akufo-Addo—received 115 million Ghana Cedis for the maintenance of these ambulances under questionable circumstances. Okoro is also reportedly linked to the President’s daughters through a longstanding business partnership.
Ablakwa criticized the recent approval of an additional $34.9 million for the deal, with the Finance Minister directing $10 million to be covered by his ministry and the National Health Insurance Authority to handle the remaining $24.9 million.
He emphasized that, given Okoro’s connections and status as a politically exposed person, there is a heightened need for scrutiny and transparency.
