The Service Ghana Auto Group Limited (SGAGL) has refuted claims of inflated costs in its contract for after-sales service and maintenance of 307 ambulances.
In a statement released and copied to the Ghanaian Times, SGAGL addressed allegations made by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament for North Tongu, regarding financial improprieties in the procurement and maintenance of the ambulances.
SGAGL clarified that it is a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) comprising a consortium of seven companies that won a competitive procurement process to provide and service the ambulances for the National Ambulance Service (NAS).
They emphasized that the process was merit-based and not sole-sourced.
Mr. Ablakwa had accused the government and SGAGL of a questionable deal, alleging that former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta approved a $34.9 million payment for spare parts for the ambulances.
He claimed the cost, roughly $113,000 per ambulance, was higher than the cost of new ambulances and that $10 million had already been disbursed to SGAGL.
Mr. Ablakwa expressed his fury over SGACL’s reply, finding their response demeaning and inappropriate.
During a discussion on Metro TV’s morning show, he asserted, “Balderdash! How dare you issue threats?”
However, the Bank of Ghana clarified that no payment had been made on the letter of credit established for $10 million.
SGAGL responded that the $34.9 million, with an established Letter of Credit for $10 million, was incorrectly reported as covering only mechanical parts, and that the $113,000 per ambulance figure was erroneous.
They explained that the procurement process began in November 2018 under the Ministry of Special Development Initiatives, initially for 275 units of 4Ă4 ambulances, later changed to 4Ă2 for 307 vehicles.
Sixteen companies participated, with the seven forming the consortium after a pre-tender workshop.
The companies in the consortium are Luxury World Auto Group Limited, Elok Consult, RDC Company Limited, Beft Engineering Works Limited, Prestige Era Company Limited, Bluemix Company Limited, and Quality Supply and Builders Company Limited. SGAGL highlighted their compliance with all tender requirements, including securing manufacturer authorization from Mercedes Benz for the ambulances and EMSA for the medical equipment.
The consortium has established dedicated workshop facilities, including renovating the Ministry of Agricultureâs workshop in Kumasi and building a workshop at the NAS headquarters in Accra.
SGAGL also addressed a 2022 Performance Audit by the Auditor-General, acknowledging disagreements with the report and noting that they had refunded amounts mistakenly identified as double payments.
SGAGL warned against spreading false information about the ambulance procurement and after-sales service, threatening legal action against those responsible.
They affirmed their commitment to transparency and accountability in all dealings.
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