Minister-designate for Health, Mintah Akandoh, has promised to investigate an alleged overinflated maintenance contract for 307 ambulances if approved by Parliament.

Speaking before the Appointments Committee during his vetting today, Akandoh expressed concern over a service contract that has raised eyebrows for its unusually high costs.

"Per my briefing, the facts are that, number 1, that same company was given the opportunity to buy not less than 307 ambulances at the rate of $41 million. Mr Chairman, per my briefing, the contract I have seen, the Ministry went ahead to sign a contract for the maintenance of the 307 ambulances at the rate of $77 million in 5 years," he stated.

Akandoh emphasized that, based on his understanding, the maintenance costs seemed disproportionate, highlighting that vehicles typically don't deteriorate significantly in the first few years of use.

"We all have cars. The deterioration of cars is not as much as the first five or four years. Your machines may not be deteriorated that much. If I am approved by the committee, I am determined to investigate that particular matter," he added.

The contract in question was originally signed by the Ministry of Special Development Initiatives in 2020, when it entered an agreement with Service Auto Group Ghana Limited to provide after-sales services and maintenance for 307 Mercedes Benz Sprinter 315 CDI ambulances. The deal also included provisions for spare parts and lubricants to ensure the smooth operation of the ambulances.

However, after the dissolution of the Ministry of Special Development Initiatives, the Special Initiatives Development Secretariat assumed responsibility for executing the contract. When the Secretariat faced budgetary challenges in 2023, the Ministry of Health was tasked with finding alternative means of funding the maintenance services for the National Ambulance Service.

In response, the Ministry of Health sought financial assistance from the Ministry of Finance to secure a line of credit for the purchase of spare parts, ultimately requesting $34.9 million. However, the Ministry of Finance could only approve $10 million, advising the Ministry of Health to seek additional funds from the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA). The NHIA, however, refused to contribute, stating that the expense was not covered by the approved budget allocation.

Despite claims to the contrary, the Ministry of Health clarified that Service Auto Group Ghana Limited had not received the full $34.9 million. The Ministry underscored its commitment to ensuring the sustainable upkeep of the ambulance fleet to guarantee that the National Ambulance Service could continue offering reliable emergency medical services.

Meanwhile, Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has raised serious questions about the deal, alleging that the contract was rushed through and that a significant amount of money had already been paid to Service Auto Group Ghana Limited.

Ablakwa has also expressed concerns about the legitimacy of the company, noting that it was incorporated a year after the ambulances were delivered in 2019. He has further suggested potential conflicts of interest, citing links between the company’s directors and President Akufo-Addo’s family. These allegations have prompted Ablakwa to request an investigation from the Office of the Special Prosecutor.