The consequences of nepotism in governance are far-reaching as it undermines the integrity of institutions, erodes trust and confidence in government, and perpetuates corruption.
When those in power prioritize personal relationships over merit and fairness, it creates an environment conducive to corruption.
Accordingly, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa criticizes the apparent nepotistic elements in the ambulance procurement process involving President Akufo-Addo’s daughters.
Hon. Ablakwa exposed a disparity in payment for ambulances, where companies with close relationships to the President received $145,000 per unit, while those with weaker connections were paid significantly less, at $77,034.46 and $82,066.57 per ambulance.
Hon. Ablakwa observed that a review of GIFMIS payment records shows that companies tied to President Akufo-Addo’s daughters’ business partners, “baby daddy”, and associates received significant payments, fueling greater outrage over the alleged extent of corruption.
“Even when this Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government conspires to engage in naked nepotistic looting, it seems that because of unbridled greed and extreme wickedness against the Ghanaian people they are unable to apply logic”.
“How can the same specs of Mercedes Benz Sprinter 316 CDI ambulance vehicles, all supplied within the same period, and all paid for between 24th and 27th December 2019 by Ken Ofori-Atta have such shockingly wide disparities in prices? It’s worth noting that the Bank of Ghana exchange rate in December 2019 was GHS1: US$5.5”.
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
Hon. Ablakwa revealed that Ken Ofori-Atta, the then Finance Minister, made a payment of GH₵ 17,067,138.41 (approximately US$77,034.46 per unit) to RDC Company Limited on December 27, 2019, for the supply of 40 ambulances.
He also pointed out that on December 24, 2019, Bluemix Company Limited received a payment of GH₵15,910,697.68 (approximately US$82,066.57 per unit) for supplying 35 ambulances.
Hon. Ablakwa mentioned that Quality Supplies and Builders Company Limited received a payment of GH₵26,679,812.23 (approximately US$120,422.35 per unit) on December 27, 2019, for supplying 40 ambulances.
The MP revealed that BEFT Engineering Works Limited received a payment of GH₵26,694,249.13 (approximately US$120,476.64 per unit) on December 24, 2019, for the supply of 40 ambulances.
Hon. Ablakwa pointed out that Luxury World Auto Group Limited received a payment of GH₵32,202,026.99 (approximately US$145,347.49 per unit) on December 27, 2019, for supplying 40 ambulances.
He observed that Elok Consult & Services received a payment of GH₵32,203,322.14 (approximately US$145,353.34 per unit) on December 27, 2019, for supplying 40 ambulances, an amount similar to that paid to Luxury World Auto Group Limited.
Hon. Ablakwa further revealed that Prestige Era Company Limited received a payment of GH₵32,203,452.19 (approximately US$145,353.92 per unit) on December 27, 2019, for supplying 40 ambulances, another instance of a company receiving a similarly high payment per ambulance.
Ablakwa Seeks Answers On Procurement
Moreover, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa questioned why President Akufo-Addo’s son-in-law, Stephen Okoro, Alvin Mensah, and others were paid over US$145,000 per ambulance.
He noted that this is despite the fact that RDC Company Limited and Bluemix Company Limited were able to procure the same ambulances at significantly lower prices – US$77,034.46 and US$82,066.57 per unit, respectively.
“What emerges from the evidence is that even amongst the chosen few who were invited to participate in this shady insider single-sourcing transaction, some special cronies and loved ones were more favored than others”.
“For every US$145,000 payment for one ambulance, Ghana should have received two ambulances. Why would a President who promised not to run a family and friends government — a President who promised to protect the public purse be committing these atrocities against the Ghanaian people?”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
Ablakwa expressed outrage that emboldened by their perceived success in inflating prices for the ambulance purchase, the same individuals have returned with an astonishing new scheme: a $34.9 million contract for ambulance spare parts, which he deemed a sweetheart deal.
According to Hon. Ablakwa, the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration has the distinction of being the only government globally to procure ambulance spare parts at an exorbitant cost of over US$113,000 per vehicle, despite the ambulances themselves having an average market value of merely US$80,000.
He observed that now that the issue of Ato Forson’s persecution has been addressed, the Ghanaian public is eagerly anticipating the actual prosecution related to the ambulance scandal, emphasizing that the people demand nothing less than full justice regarding the alleged $108 million ambulance theft.
Ablakwa praised the Office of the Special Prosecutor for swiftly initiating an investigation into the matter after receiving his petition, and also for the professional and impressive manner in which he was questioned by a panel of investigators regarding the issue.
“Through patriotic, honest, and fearless parliamentary oversight and the nationalistic resolve of the Ghanaian people, we shall salvage what is left of the ravaged national kitty”. – Hon. Ablakwa
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