Ablakwa Unveils Last-Minute Dubious Contracts by Government

Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, MP for North Tongu has revealed that intercepted memos are shedding light on the irresponsible and unpatriotic actions of officials in the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration. 

According to him, these officials have been awarding dubious and unethical last-minute contracts, while also demanding full payments to be made before the government’s term ends on January 7, 2025. 

He emphasized that these actions highlight a blatant disregard for accountability and the public interest.

“The Board of the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) met 3 days ago and hurriedly approved a controversial electronic servicing agreement valued at US$750,000.00 (GHS 12 million)”.

Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa

He further revealed that reliable insider sources at the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) have informed him about intense political pressure being exerted on the institution. 

According to Ablakwa, these sources indicate that the bank is being coerced to ensure full payment of the questionable contracts is made by today, Friday, December 27, 2024. 

This development, he noted, underscores the extent of political interference and the lack of due diligence in handling public funds.

The MP pointed out that senior insiders at the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) have expressed deep shock and concern over the Board’s decision to proceed with the payment. 

He explained that their alarm stems from the fact that the deal bypassed the bank’s audit department, raising serious questions about transparency and due process. 

Furthermore, Ablakwa highlighted that negotiations with the vendor, Virtual Security Africa, remain incomplete, as the primary agreement is still in draft form. 

This, he argued, demonstrates a rushed and irregular approach to finalizing such a significant transaction.

Surge in Last-Minute Contracts Despite Transition Team Warning

Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa further expressed his frustration over the uncontrollable surge in the awarding of last-minute contracts and the insistence on expedited payments. 

He lamented that this reckless behavior persists despite a clear and formal warning issued by the President-elect’s Transition Team, urging restraint and adherence to proper governance protocols. 

“Fortunately, we have intercepted a considerable number of these internal memos on these dubious transactions and the public officials who succumb to unlawful political pressure and effect payments will have themselves to blame after January 7, 2025”. 

Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa

The MP further noted that the directive to halt last-minute contracts is consistent with similar demands made by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) during their transition into government in 2016.

Ablakwa criticized the current administration for its blatant disregard for this advice, highlighting the hypocrisy and lack of accountability in their actions.

Meanwhile, the intercepted document revealed that during its meeting on December 13, 2024, the ADB Board of Directors approved the renewal of the Service Level Agreement between the Bank and Virtual Security Ahita. 

This agreement covers support and maintenance services for the electronic security installations at the Bank’s Head Office and branches. 

The approved contract is valued at USD 250,000.00 annually, pending the review and finalization of the draft agreement between both parties.

In line with the Board’s approval, the Managing Director of ADB directed the Head of the General Services Department (GSD) to take all necessary actions to facilitate the implementation of the decision. 

Moreover, the MP issued a strong caution on the need for transparency and accountability in the government’s questionable dealings and contracts. 

Accordingly, Ablakwa emphatically declared that nothing will deter the people’s collective initiative, dubbed “Operation Recover All Loots” (ORAL), from pursuing justice and holding those responsible to account. 

“Great to see more NPP stalwarts support Mahama’s Operation-Recover-All-Loot (ORAL). Predictably, all Ghanaians who were not part of the notorious NPP looting brigade are excited about ORAL”.

Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa

He stressed that ORAL represents a determined and non-negotiable commitment by the citizenry to ensure that all misappropriated funds and ill-gotten gains are retrieved and returned to the nation. 

This initiative, according to Ablakwa, serves as a critical step toward restoring public trust and reinforcing the principles of good governance.

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