The Minister of Health, Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye, has clarified that the Bank of Ghana has not made any payments in connection with the $34 million ambulance spare parts deal involving Service Ghana Auto Group Limited.
This statement comes in response to allegations made by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, who accused former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta and former Health Minister Kwaku Agyeman-Manu of conspiring with the company to defraud the state in what he described as a “botched deal.”
Ablakwa’s accusations centered on the timing and approval of the deal, which he claims was signed just five days before Ken Ofori-Atta left office, raising concerns about the legitimacy and transparency of the transaction.
He also questioned the capacity of Service Ghana Auto Group Limited to fulfill the contract, pointing out that the company was recently incorporated.
The MP’s allegations have sparked a wave of controversy and demands for accountability within government circles.
In his appearance before the Government Assurances Committee of Parliament on Thursday, August 1, Dr. Okoe Boye dismissed the claims that the government had already disbursed $34 million to the company.
“I spoke to one of the Deputy Governors… and the Deputy Governor made me aware that not even a dollar has been given to the provider,” Dr. Okoe Boye stated.
He further explained that the payment arrangement is contingent upon the company delivering the parts as per the terms of a letter of credit, with funds to be released only after successful performance.
