North Tongu lawmaker Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has asserted that he possesses evidence confirming payments to Service Ghana Auto Group Limited (SGAGL), contradicting claims that the company has not received funds for its contract to maintain 307 ambulances.
In an interview on TV3’s Key Points, Ablakwa emphasized the clarity and validity of the financial commitments related to the SGAGL contract, estimating the total payments at $108 million.
The controversy emerged following allegations by Ablakwa, who chairs the Economic Committee in Parliament. He accused the government and SGAGL of questionable financial practices in procuring and maintaining the ambulances.
He alleged that a substantial payment of $34.9 million for spare parts, equating to approximately $113,000 per ambulance, was excessively high compared to standard procurement costs.
In response to Ablakwa’s claims, SGAGL issued a statement defending its role as a consortium of seven companies engaged in a competitive procurement process.
It refuted allegations of inflated costs and emphasized compliance with all tender requirements, including securing manufacturer authorizations and establishing dedicated support infrastructure.
The statement also addressed discrepancies highlighted in a 2022 Performance Audit, asserting their commitment to transparent dealings and readiness to challenge false information through legal means.
As the debate continues, SGAGL has pledged to maintain integrity in their operations and hold accountable those spreading misinformation about the ambulance procurement and service contract.
