No Parliamentary approval for ambulance contract – Jakpa admits

Richard Jakpa, a central figure in the ongoing trial concerning the procurement of ambulances, has admitted under cross-examination by Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame that the international business agreement with Dubai-based company Big Sea General Trading LLC did not receive parliamentary approval as mandated by Ghana’s Constitution.

Jakpa, embattled alongside former Deputy Minister of Finance Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson and Sylvester Anemana, former Chief Director of the Ministry of Health, acknowledged the absence of parliamentary endorsement for the contract.

This admission underscores a critical breach under Article 181(5) of the Constitution, which requires such agreements involving substantial financial implications for the state to be presented to Parliament for scrutiny and approval.

During proceedings, Jakpa clarified that neither the initial business proposal submitted to the Ministry of Health nor subsequent official communications to Cabinet mentioned Big Sea.

Furthermore, Cabinet approval and parliamentary committee examinations did not reference the company, indicating a significant oversight in due process.

Attorney-General Dame pressed Jakpa further on documentation related to Big Sea’s registration as a company licensed to convert vehicles into ambulances.

According to Jakpa’s own documents, Big Sea obtained this license in April 2015, well after the contract for ambulance procurement was signed in December 2012 and the subsequent importation of vehicles in 2014.

The case, centered on allegations of causing financial loss to the state amounting to €2.37 million, revolves around a deal initiated during Anemana’s tenure at the Ministry of Health. The agreement with Big Sea, signed in December 2012, committed the supply of 200 Mercedes Benz ambulances at a unit cost of €79,000, totaling €15.8 million.

The trial has drawn considerable attention due to its implications for procedural integrity and financial accountability within government contracts. Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, also a Member of Parliament for Ajumako Enyan Esiam and the NDC’s Ranking Member on the Finance Committee, remains a key defendant in the proceedings.