The Service Ghana Auto Group Limited (SGAGL) has denied allegations that it was not eligible for its government contract to provide after-sales service and maintenance for 307 ambulances, asserting that it meets all necessary qualifications.
This response follows recent questions and doubts surrounding the company’s suitability and eligibility to receive the contract.
Recently, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, made allegations that the company was unfairly selected for the contract without undergoing a competitive bidding process.
Hon. Ablakwa suggested that its connection to President Akufo Addo’s daughters may have influenced the decision.
In a press release, SGAGL strongly denied the “completely false claims” and “outright fabrications” surrounding its government contract for the after-sales service and maintenance of 307 ambulances, emphasizing that it views these allegations with utmost seriousness.
SGAGL emphasized that throughout the entire transaction, including the competitive bidding process, the company has consistently acted with integrity, transparency, and in full compliance with all relevant laws and regulations, upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct.
“Notice is hereby served on those peddling the false allegations including by the media without attempts to verify same, that they, particularly the unprofessional and uncritical media shall be held liable for reckless damage to genuine business and reputations”.
“SGAGL is an SPV of a consortium of 7 companies that participated in a competitive procurement process, not sole-sourced, and adjudged on merit to procure and to provide After-Saies Service and Maintenance for 307 Mercedes Benz Sprinter Ambulances for the National Ambulance Service (NAS)”.
Service Ghana Auto Group Limited (SGAGL)
SGAGL pointed out that the competitive procurement process was initiated by the Ministry of Special Development Initiatives through a formal Invitation for Tenders.
SGAGL noted that on November 15, 2018, the Ministry of Special Development Initiatives issued an Invitation for Tenders (Reference: MSDI/IPEP/AMB/RST/2018) for 275 4×4 ambulance vehicles, which was subsequently revised to include 307 4×2 vehicles.
SGAGL Highlights Transparent Pre-Tender Process
Furthermore, the Service Ghana Auto Group Limited highlighted that a total of sixteen companies took part in the pre-tender workshop, including the seven companies that later formed a Consortium, demonstrating a competitive and transparent process.
According to SGAGL, the seven companies that formed the Consortium were: Luxury World Auto Group Limited, Elok Consult, RDC Company Limited, Beft Engineering Works Limited, Prestige Era Company Limited, Bluemix Company Limited, and Quality Supply and Builders Company Limited, all of which participated in the pre-tender workshop.
“These companies came together, leveraging their expertise and resources, and emerged with an exceptional value-for-money proposition in their compelling lowest bid of $133,000 per ambulance, compared to offers by competitors including Silver Star Auto Limited, ranging from $250,000 to $300,000 as revealed by the Tender Evaluation Report”.
“The Consortium’s Turkey-based supplier, EMS Mobil Sistemler AS AQ by letter dated 22nd February 2019, obtained manufacturer’s authorization from Mercedes Benz, an essential prerequisite for participation in the process”.
Service Ghana Auto Group Limited (SGAGL)
SGAGL also pointed out that they had secured the necessary authorization from the manufacturer, EMSA AMBULANCES, for the installation of medical equipment in the ambulance vehicles, as evidenced by a letter dated February 23, 2019.
By obtaining the manufacturer’s authorization, SGAGL confirmed that it had successfully met yet another crucial requirement of the tender process, further demonstrating its compliance and eligibility.
SGAGL further emphasized that the obtained authorization not only fulfilled a tender requirement but also ensured a warranty guarantee for both the medical equipment and the ambulance vehicles, providing an added layer of protection and assurance.
“In full compliance with tender specifications, a comprehensive on-site inspection of the suppliers’ facilities was undertaken with technical officers of the NAS, Ghana Health Service, Ministry of Health and two other relevant sector ministries in Turkey and Amsterdam at the expense of the Consortium.”
Service Ghana Auto Group Limited (SGAGL)
In this regard, SGAGL argued that each company in the Consortium had a designated role and successfully supplied its allocated ambulances, covering all relevant duties and insurance costs to facilitate smooth delivery.
