The Minority in Parliament has called on the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to expedite investigations into the controversial US$34.9 million ambulance spare parts deal.
Speaking at a press conference in Parliament, the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, stated that the lack of parliamentary approval for the deal was a “flagrant violation of Article 178 of the 1992 Constitution” and further highlighted the “grave illegalities and impunity associated with this transaction.”
The health ministry in a statement has denied any payment to the supplier with the supplier also refuting claims of inflated unit costs.
But addressing the media in parliament, chairman for the government assurance committee Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa insisted the inflated contract was awarded to the company belonging to the daughter of President Akufo-Addo through sole sourcing.
The North Tongu MP further warned the Chief of Staff Frema Osei Opare that he’s a candidate for prosecution given her involvement in the deal.
Mr. Ablakwa charged the President to convene a family meeting to cancel the deal else the minority would advise itself.
“We shall not rest until all the masterminds and politically exposed persons involved in this grand heist are prosecuted, and our public funds fully retrieved,” Ablakwa emphasized.
He also demanded that President Akufo-Addo immediately halt the deal, describing it as “scandalous, unconscionable, sweetheart, family affair.”
Ablakwa urged the President to instruct his Chief of Staff, Hon. Frema Opare, to stop pressuring the Ministers of Health and Finance to make unlawful payments to Service Ghana Auto Group Limited (SGAGL).
The Minority has pledged to cooperate with the OSP and lead efforts in Parliament to scuttle the deal, which they believe is in the “supreme national interest.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com/103.5FM/Deborah Annang Naa Momo
