The US$34.9 million ambulance spare parts deal has raised eyebrows across Ghana, with many questioning the motivations behind the Finance Ministry’s approval. On February 9, 2024, Ken Ofori-Atta, before leaving his post as Finance Minister, instructed the release of US$10 million to Service Ghana Auto Group Limited. This decision sparked some suspicion among citizens.
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament for North Tongu, took to X about the scandal saying “I can today authoritatively disclose that I have finally found the answers to what has been a national mystery.” According to Okudzeto, the company, which received GHS115,342,573.00 in prompt payments between 2020 and 2023, was found by the Auditor-General to have been awarded government maintenance contracts even before its incorporation on April 24, 2020. Despite findings of procurement breaches and inflated invoices, the government proceeded with a new deal.
He also revealed, “Stephen Okoro took up a company secretary role in Goodbox Limited, registered by the President’s daughters to run a gym” Documents show their partnerships in multiple ventures, including SFO Initiatives Limited and Goodbox Limited. Okoro’s involvement with the President’s family underscores a potential conflict of interest.
Okudzeto Ablakwa also thinks Ken Ofori-Atta’s approval of the spare parts deal was driven by familial ties. He concluded, “Ken Ofori-Atta’s primary focus was about making his nieces and their special business partner happy. Insider dealing at its frightening best.”