The US$34.9 Million Ambulance Spare Parts Scandal: Unmasking the Powerful Figures Behind Service Ghana Auto Group Limited
In a shocking revelation, it has come to light that Gyankroma Akufo-Addo, daughter of President Akufo-Addo, is a key figure behind Service Ghana Auto Group Limited. This company has recently been embroiled in a scandal involving a dubious payment of $34.9 million for ambulance spare parts. The scandal has raised serious questions about the integrity and transparency of government dealings, especially given the preferential treatment and expedited payments received by Service Ghana Auto Group Limited.
The Dubious Deal
On February 9, 2024, Ken Ofori-Atta, the then Finance Minister, approved a $34.9 million deal for ambulance spare parts to be supplied by Service Ghana Auto Group Limited. In addition, he instructed the Controller and Accountant General to release an initial $10 million (GHS 120,711,000.00) to the company. This move has sparked outrage among citizens and opposition leaders who question the legitimacy and necessity of such a transaction.
Between 2020 and 2023, Service Ghana Auto Group Limited received a staggering GHS 115,342,573.00 in payments from the government. This consistent flow of funds has raised eyebrows, especially considering the dire economic situation and the government’s inability to pay other contractors.
Auditor-General’s Damning Findings
The Auditor-General’s report revealed that Service Ghana Auto Group Limited was engaged and compensated for maintenance services as early as January 2020, even though the company was not officially incorporated until April 24, 2020. This means the company was illegally operating and receiving payments for eight months before any formal contract was awarded. The report also highlighted numerous procurement breaches, inflated invoices, lack of value for money, and fraudulent use of staff from the National Ambulance Service.
The Familial Connection
Investigations have uncovered that Stephen Okoro, a director of Service Ghana Auto Group Limited, is a close business associate of Gyankroma Akufo-Addo and Edwina Akufo-Addo, President Akufo-Addo’s daughters. Okoro and Gyankroma are the only directors of SFO Initiatives Limited, a company incorporated in August 2013. They also partnered to establish Goodbox Limited and Good Grow Limited, with the latter focusing on cannabis cultivation.
These connections suggest that familial interests may have influenced Ken Ofori-Atta’s approval of the lucrative ambulance spare parts deal. It appears that the priority was to ensure the financial well-being of the President’s daughters and their business partner, rather than adhering to ethical governance practices.
The Call for Justice
Honourable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament for North Tongu, has disclosed these findings and provided incorporation documents as evidence. He has petitioned the Office of the Special Prosecutor, urging them to investigate the matter thoroughly. Ablakwa’s hope is that justice will prevail and the outstanding $24.9 million payment will be halted.
Conclusion
This scandal highlights the pervasive issues of nepotism, cronyism, and corruption within the highest echelons of government. The promise of not running a family and friends government has been starkly broken, and it is the ordinary citizens who bear the brunt of such corruption. As Pope Francis aptly stated, “Corruption is paid by the poor.” It is imperative that leaders remember this and strive for integrity and accountability in governance.
Ghanaians must remain vigilant and united in demanding transparency and justice. Only then can the nation hope to curb the corrosive effects of corruption and ensure a fair and equitable future for all.
For God and Country. Ghana First.
