Ministry of Health Responds to $34.9M Ambulance Deal Allegations

In a statement released on Thursday, July 25, the Ministry of Health responded to allegations made by the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, regarding a $34.9 million ambulance spare parts deal. 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 Ministry's response follows Mr. Ablakwa's claims of potential corruption in the deal, prompting him 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 asserted that his actions aim to protect the nation's remaining funds. 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 MP raised concerns about the company's capacity to service the ambulances and expressed surprise that the government engaged the company despite serious findings by the Auditor-General questioning its credibility.

Mr. Ablakwa has also linked President Akufo-Addo's two daughters to the company in question, alleging that one of the directors is a close business associate of the President's daughters.

The Ministry of Health, without directly addressing the corruption allegations, explained that the Finance Minister acted upon the request of the Health Ministry following the dissolution of the Ministry of Special Development Initiatives. The Ministry emphasized that the Service Provider, Ghana Auto Group Limited, has not been paid $34.9 million as 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 read.