The Ministry of Health has refuted reports claiming it paid $34.9 million to Ghana Auto Group Limited for National Ambulance Service fleet procurement.

In a statement released on July 25, 2024, the Ministry clarified that the Office of the Chief of Staff had asked it to find ways to support the National Ambulance Service due to Parliament's rejection of the Special Initiatives Development Secretariat's 2023 budget.

The Ministry outlined that on September 10, 2020, a contract was signed between the Ministry of Special Development Initiatives and Service Auto Group Ghana Limited.

This contract covered after-sales service and maintenance for 307 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 315 CDI ambulances.

The agreement included provisions for spare parts and lubricants to ensure proper fleet maintenance.

The Ministry of Special Development Initiatives used part of its budget to support this maintenance, and after the Ministry's dissolution, the Special Initiatives Development Secretariat continued the contract's execution.

On March 10, 2023, due to the lack of parliamentary approval for the Secretariat's budget, the Chief of Staff requested the Ministry of Health to assist with ambulance fleet maintenance.

The Ministry of Health then contacted the Ministry of Finance to arrange letters of credit amounting to $34,904,505.00 for spare parts for the ambulances.

"On September 10, 2020, the Ministry of Special Development Initiatives signed a contract with Service Auto Group Ghana Limited for the provision of after-sales service and maintenance for 307 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 315 CDI ambulances. The contract stipulated that the supplier shall provide the client with a projected budget for requisite spare parts and lubricants to ensure the smooth servicing and maintenance of the fleet.

"Since the inception of the contract, the Ministry of Special Development Initiatives has utilized a portion of its annual budget allocation to support the National Ambulance Service and fund the maintenance agreement. Following the dissolution of the Ministry of Special Development Initiatives, the Special Initiatives Development Secretariat took over the execution of the contract. On March 10, 2023, the Office of the Chief of Staff requested the Ministry of Health to explore ways to support the National Ambulance Service in maintaining the fleet of ambulances due to Parliament's refusal to approve the budget estimates of the Special Initiatives Development Secretariat for the 2023 fiscal year," it stated.

The Ministry affirmed its commitment to maintaining a sustainable maintenance program for the National Ambulance Service fleet to ensure reliable and efficient emergency medical services.

Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng has confirmed receipt of a petition from North Tongu MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa regarding the $34.9 million spare parts deal with Service Auto Group Ghana Limited. The OSP will investigate the matter if it falls within its jurisdiction.

"We acknowledge receipt of a filed complaint as titled above. The Special Prosecutor will direct the commencement of investigations if he determines that the issue is within the mandate of the Office of the Special Prosecutor. You may be contacted should the need arise. Please accept the compliments of my highest consideration," Kissi Agyebeng stated.

Mr Ablakwa shared this update on social media, noting that the Special Prosecutor has acknowledged his complaint and pledging to prevent any further payments.

He expressed determination to combat corruption and protect public funds.

"The Special Prosecutor has formally acknowledged my complaint on the US$34.9 million Ambulance Spare Parts Scandal. Let's see how things go from here. We shall do everything in our power to stop the imminent payment of US$24.9 million after Ken Ofori-Atta ordered the release of US$10 million to that shady company with presidential familial ties. Nothing will stop us from salvaging the battered public purse. State Capture shall surely be defeated! For God and Country," he noted.