Nepotism, the practice of conferring favor or preference to family members or close acquaintances in professional or business contexts, poses a significant threat to organizational efficacy, social justice, and institutional integrity.
Nepotism can serve as a catalyst for corruption and abuse of power, as those in positions of authority exploit their influence to benefit themselves and their loved ones.
This can result in a culture of cronyism and entitlement, where personal interests supersede organizational or government goals and public trust is compromised.
Accordingly, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has called out the government for engaging in nepotism regarding the ambulance spare parts deal with Service Ghana Auto Group Limited.
Hon. Ablakwa, the North Tongu MP, revealed that intercepted incorporation documents indicate that Stephen Okoro, a key director of Service Ghana Auto Group Limited, is apparently a close business partner and longtime associate of two of President Akufo-Addo’s daughters
He pointed out that Gyankroma Akufo-Addo, the President’s daughter, and Stephen Okoro are the sole directors of SFO Initiatives Limited, a company that was incorporated on August 9, 2013.
He revealed that the company’s primary business activities include construction of buildings and roads, civil engineering projects, as well as farming of food and crops
“On the 12th of August, 2020, Stephen Okoro partnered with Gyankroma Akufo-Addo and Edwina Akufo-Addo to incorporate Goodbox Limited. This time Stephen Okoro took up a company secretary role in Goodbox Limited, registered by the President’s daughters to run a gym. President Akufo-Addo’s appointee, Keli Gadzekpo, who was Board Chair of ECG was made a shareholder of Goodbox Limited”.
“A few days after, specifically on August 20, 2020, the inseparable three musketeers incorporated Good Grow Limited. Gyankroma Akufo-Addo and Edwina Akufo-Addo are the two directors whilst their ever loyal confidant, Stephen Okoro took up the position as company secretary. Interestingly, Good Grow Limited has been established by the presidential daughters and their beloved business associate to grow and farm cannabis”.
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
He wryly observed that they appear to be eager to capitalize financially on Ghana’s new legal cannabis industry, which their father, President Akufo Addo, played a key role in establishing.
Hon. Ablakwa concluded that the circumstances surrounding Ken Ofori-Atta’s, former Finance Minister, eleventh-hour approval of the US$34.9 million ambulance spare parts contract and the subsequent disbursement of US$10 million reveal a clear conflict of interest, driven by family ties.
He emphasized that Ken Ofori-Atta’s main priority was to benefit his nieces, the President’s daughters, and their close business associate, suggesting a stark example of insider dealing at its worst.
Fast-Tracked Deal Raises Eyebrows
Furthermore, nepotism perpetuates inequality by creating a self-reinforcing cycle of privilege, where those who already have social and economic advantages are given more opportunities, thereby solidifying their position and limiting access for others.
Accordingly, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto revealed that the presidential family sought to secure their interests by fast-tracking the deal, anticipating a potential change in the Finance Minister’s position, which could have jeopardized their stake in the matter.
He pointed out that, it has now been clarified why Stephen Okoro’s Service Ghana Auto Group Limited was granted preferential treatment and an exceptional exemption, allowing them to bypass procurement laws and other regulations with ease.
“We can all now understand why not even the explosive adverse findings contained in the 2022 Auditor-General’s report could [not] stop Service Ghana Auto Group Limited from securing another uncompetitive US$34.9million spare parts cash-out from the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government”.
“Meanwhile, Stephen Okoro, a beloved business partner of the Akufo-Addo daughters, appears to be enjoying a golden era of business as he has incorporated 6 other companies between 2017 and 2020. In opposition, President Akufo-Addo loudly promised Ghanaians that he will not run a family and friends government. Sadly, he never intended to keep that pledge”.
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
Hon. Ablakwa pointed out that nepotism, cronyism, and corporatocracy are considered to be among the most serious and insidious forms of corruption.
He noted that as Pope Francis reminds humanity that “Corruption is paid by the poor”, those in leadership positions should never lose sight of this essential fact,
He stated that he had provided the Office of the Special Prosecutor with comprehensive findings and irrefutable evidence, specifically regarding the President’s daughters and their business partner, as part of his petition filed on July 22, 2024.
“It is my hope that the OSP will be allowed the free hand to conduct his investigations”. – Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
He called on Ghanaians to do everything possible to block the payment of the outstanding US$24.9 million for the time being.
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