Nepotism and state capture are two interconnected phenomena that can have far-reaching and devastating effects on a government and its citizens.
Nepotism and state capture erode trust in government institutions when citizens see those in power prioritize personal and family gain over public service, damaging the social fabric and undermining faith in leadership.
This can lead to widespread disillusionment and disengagement, as well as social unrest.
Accordingly, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has exposed the secretive figures behind the procurement of the President’s flagship 307 ambulances.
Hon. Ablakwa revealed that the same individuals involved in the questionable $34.9m ambulance spare parts deal were also awarded $54.3m in opaque single-sourced contracts to procure the 307 ambulances.
He pointed out that President Akufo-Addo’s daughters’ business partners and associates were hastily selected to import the ambulances under questionable circumstances.
“My continuous diligent parliamentary oversight on this ambulance saga has additionally revealed that just like the outrageous spare parts sweetheart deal, the procurement of the 307 ambulances was also grossly inflated”.
“From page 2 (paragraph 4) of the Auditor-General’s Performance Audit, government officials told auditors that the 307 Mercedes Benz ambulances were procured at a total amount of US$ 54.3 million. This figure of US$ 54.3 million is consistent with what then Special Development Initiatives Minister, Hawa Koomson repeated to the Ghanaian media”.
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
Hon. Ablakwa highlighted that the audit report shows the actual cost of an ambulance is $80,000, making the total for 307 ambulances $24.56 million, not $54.3 million, indicating a potential inflation of $29.74 million in the procurement cost.
“The wickedly padded figure of US$ 29.7 million is more than the actual cost of all 307 ambulances”. – Hon. Ablakwa
Hon. Ablakwa stated that even with a 10% insurance premium, the ambulance procurement cost would be inflated by $27.28 million.
He indicated that since no insurance premiums were paid, the $54.3 million spent could have provided 678 ambulances, not 307, indicating a significant potential misuse of funds.
The MP indicated that parliamentary scrutiny revealed that the ambulance importation involved different companies, not Service Ghana Auto Group Limited, which was previously implicated in questionable dealings.
He noted that eight companies, mostly formed in 2017, were used to import ambulances, including Elok Consult, BEFT Engineering, Bluemix Company, Prestige Era, RDC Company, Luxury World Auto, and Quality Suppliers.
He revealed that notably, six of these companies were established between April and September 2017, and none have a proven track record or expertise in ambulance importation.
Ablakwa Exposes Elok Consult’s Ties To President’s Family
Furthermore, Hon. Ablakwa stated that Elok Consult and Services Limited was incorporated on July 25, 2017, with directors Stephen Okoro, who is related to President Akufo-Addo and business partner of his daughter Gyankroma, and Solomon Okereke.
He revealed that Solomon Okereke’s passport reveals his full name as Solomon Okoro Okereke, confirming he is Stephen Okoro’s brother, establishing a familial connection between the two directors of Elok Consult and Services Limited.
“It is not immediately clear why Solomon concealed Okoro when he was registering Elok Consult with his brother, Stephen. Elok Consult was paid an impressive GH₵ 32,203,322.14 on 27th December 2019 for importing 40 ambulances”.
“BEFT Engineering Works Limited was incorporated on 20th April 2017. The directors of BEFT Engineering are Frank Agyekum and Alvin Mensah. Alvin Mensah is a longtime associate of Edwina Akufo-Addo. BEFT Engineering was paid GH₵ 26,694,249.13 on 24th December 2019 for importing 40 ambulances”.
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
Ablakwa also stated that Bluemix Company Limited, incorporated on September 5, 2017, with directors Katumi Nambiema and Prince Osei, received GH₵ 15,910,697.68 on December 24, 2019, for supplying 35 ambulances, and is also linked to Service Ghana Auto Group Limited.
He noted that Prestige Era Company Limited, incorporated on April 19, 2017, with directors Abdul Sumaila and Yousiph Abdulkadir, received GH₵ 32,203,452.19 on December 27, 2019, for importing 40 ambulances, and is also linked to Service Ghana Auto Group Limited.
The MP further disclosed that RDC Company Limited, incorporated in 2014 with directors Alberta Baidoo and Stephanie Bannerman, received GH₵ 17,067,138.41 on December 27, 2019, for importing 40 ambulances, and is also linked to Service Ghana Auto Group Limited.
He revealed that Luxury World Auto Group Limited, incorporated in 2015 with directors Elisha Enti, Vivian Oppong-Kyekyeku, Charles Oppong-Kyekyeku, and Jeannette Affram, received GH₵ 32,202,026.99 on December 27, 2019, for supplying 40 ambulances, and is also linked to Service Ghana Auto Group Limited.
Ablakwa indicated that Quality Suppliers and Builders Company Limited, a subscriber of Service Ghana Auto Group Limited, also received GH₵ 26,679,812.23 on December 27, 2019, for procuring 40 ambulances, further linking them to the controversial ambulance deal.
He noted that the ambulance procurement deal involves suspicious discrepancies in payment values among companies for identical ambulance specs, necessitating a forensic audit.
The MP stressed that the companies, linked to the presidential cabal, have collectively received $54.3 million, GH₵ 115 million for maintenance, $10 million, and a pending $24.9 million payment, totaling approximately $108 million, raising concerns of inflation and potential corruption.
Hon. Ablakwa pointed out that further investigation into the ambulance scandal has uncovered new information, prompting an update to the petition before the Special Prosecutor.
He stated that those involved will face consequences, and prosecution is expected to begin in 2025.
As such, he indicated that the ongoing Ato Forson/Jakpa case seems minor in comparison, and efforts to combat nepotistic state capture will continue unabated.
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