In a shocking development that has sent ripples through the nation, a comprehensive parliamentary oversight has unveiled the hidden figures behind the procurement of President Akufo-Addo’s flagship project involving 307 ambulances. It has now been confirmed that the cost of these ambulances was drastically inflated from $24.5 million to $54.3 million, resulting in a staggering theft of $29.7 million in taxpayer funds.
“This scandal is not just about inflated costs; it represents a grave betrayal of public trust. The misuse of taxpayer money for personal gain must be investigated thoroughly, and those responsible must be held accountable.”
The scandal was brought to light by Honourable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, who revealed a carefully orchestrated scheme implicating key individuals close to the President. This group, previously involved in a controversial $34.9 million ambulance spare parts deal, was awarded opaque, single-source contracts for the procurement of the ambulances under suspicious circumstances.
Key findings from the Auditor-General’s performance audit:
- Total cost of ambulances: $54.3 million
- Actual cost per ambulance: $80,000
- Should have cost: $24.5 million
- Inflated amount: $29.7 million
Key players in the scandal:
- Stephen Okoro: Boyfriend of Gyankroma Akufo-Addo and director of Elok Consult and Services Limited.
- Hawa Koomson: Former Minister for Special Development Initiatives, who publicly reiterated the inflated costs.
- Business partners: Various companies connected to the President’s family with questionable credentials.
Companies involved:
- Elok Consult and Services Limited: Received GHS32,203,322.14 for importing 40 ambulances.
- BEFT Engineering Works Limited: Received GHS26,694,249.13 for importing 40 ambulances.
- Bluemix Company Limited: Received GHS15,910,697.68 for supplying 35 ambulances.
- Prestige Era Company Limited: Received GHS32,203,452.19 for importing 40 ambulances.
- RDC Company Limited: Received GHS17,067,138.41 for importing 40 ambulances.
- Luxury World Auto Group Limited: Received GHS32,202,026.99 for supplying 40 ambulances.
- Quality Suppliers and Builders Company Limited: Received GHS26,679,812.23 for procuring 40 ambulances.
Discrepancies and fraudulent activities:
- Formation of companies: Six of the eight companies were established between April and September 2017, the year Akufo-Addo assumed the presidency.
- No track record: None of these companies possess a proven track record in ambulance importation.
- Opaque payments: Significant discrepancies in payment values between companies necessitate a special forensic audit.
Financial implications:
- Total inflated cost: $54.3 million
- Actual cost for 307 ambulances: $24.5 million
- Total inflated amount: $29.7 million
- Insurance premium: No premiums were paid, despite a supposed 10% insurance charge per ambulance.
Detailed analysis of company involvements:
- Elok Consult and Services Limited
- Incorporation date: July 25, 2017
- Directors: Stephen Okoro and Solomon Okereke
- Payment received: GHS32,203,322.14 on December 27, 2019
- BEFT Engineering Works Limited
- Incorporation date: April 20, 2017
- Directors: Frank Agyekum and Alvin Mensah (associate of Edwina Akufo-Addo)
- Payment received: GHS26,694,249.13 on December 24, 2019
- Bluemix Company Limited
- Incorporation date: September 5, 2017
- Directors: Katumi Nambiema and Prince Osei
- Payment received: GHS15,910,697.68 on December 24, 2019
- Prestige Era Company Limited
- Incorporation date: April 19, 2017
- Directors: Abdul Sumaila and Yousiph Abdulkadir
- Payment received: GHS32,203,452.19 on December 27, 2019
- RDC Company Limited
- Incorporation date: June 27, 2014
- Directors: Alberta Baidoo and Stephanie Bannerman
- Payment received: GHS17,067,138.41 on December 27, 2019
- Luxury World Auto Group Limited
- Incorporation date: November 24, 2015
- Directors: Elisha Enti and others
- Payment received: GHS32,202,026.99 on December 27, 2019
- Quality Suppliers and Builders Company Limited
- Payment received: GHS26,679,812.23 on December 27, 2019
Ongoing investigations and future actions:
Honourable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has pledged to update his petition currently before the Special Prosecutor. With the total inflated costs reaching $108 million, including maintenance and ancillary payments, this scandal is poised to become one of the most significant corruption cases in Ghana’s history.
Conclusion:
This revelation underscores a profound abuse of power and a blatant disregard for public funds by individuals occupying the highest levels of government. As investigations continue, Ghanaians await justice and the recovery of the embezzled funds.
As exposed by North Tongu Member of Parliament, Honourable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
