Former Adentan Member of Parliament Yaw Buaben Asamoa has highlighted the enduring cycle of corruption in government contracts, emphasizing the need for leadership untethered to partisan interests.
Speaking on TV3’s Key Points, Asamoa addressed ongoing controversies surrounding the after-sales service and maintenance of 307 ambulances awarded to Service Ghana Auto Group Limited (SGAGL).
He lamented that corruption would persist unless a leader emerged willing to break the cycle of impunity.
“As long as we lack a political leader willing to dismantle the nexus of corruption and vested interests, these issues will persist,” Asamoa stated during his commentary.
The SGAGL contract has been controversial, with accusations of inflated costs and improper financial dealings. North Tongu lawmaker Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa also weighed in, asserting evidence of payments to SGAGL despite official denials.
In response to allegations by Ablakwa and others, SGAGL vehemently defended its procurement process in a statement released on August 1, 2024.
The company, comprising a consortium of seven firms, clarified that the ambulance contract was competitively procured and rigorously evaluated.
The consortium, which included Luxury World Auto Group Limited and Elok Consult, detailed its compliance with tender requirements, including manufacturer approvals for ambulance procurement and equipment installation.
Despite accusations and legislative scrutiny, SGAGL affirmed its commitment to transparency and readiness to pursue legal recourse against misinformation.
The ongoing saga underscores Ghana’s challenge in combating corruption within public procurement, prompting calls for decisive leadership to foster accountability and ethical governance.
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