The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has acknowledged receipt of a petition from the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa in connection with the controversial $34.9 million ambulance spare parts deal approved by former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta.

In a document sighted by Joy News, the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng said an investigation will commence into the matter should he determine that the case is within the mandate of his office.

This comes after the legislator took to his social media page to share his latest exposé on corruption scandals under the Akufo-Addo administration. Mr Ablakwa had alleged that the deal was hastily approved by the Finance Minister five days before his removal from office.

He said an amount of 10 million dollars has already been paid to the company, hence his action to ensure that the remainder is protected for the nation.

• Read also: Ofori-Atta approved ‘shady’ $34.9m ambulance deal days before leaving office – Ablakwa alleges

He also questioned the legitimacy of the beneficiary company, Service Ghana Auto Group Limited, which was incorporated on April 24, 2020—one year after the ambulances were commissioned in 2019—raising doubts about their capacity to service the ambulances.

He was particularly surprised that although the Auditor-General had made serious findings that border on credibility against the company, government still went ahead to engage them.

"In his last shockingly sleazy conduct, Ken Ofori-Atta by a letter dated 9th February 2024 approved a staggering US$34,904,505.00 to be paid to the discredited Service Ghana Auto Group Limited for the procurement of spare parts for the 307 ambulances purchased by the government in 2019.”

According to Mr Ablakwa, on the same 9th February 2024, the Finance Minister instructed the Controller and Accountant-General to release US$ 10 million, equivalent to GHS120, 711,000.00.

“My impeccable tracking of this transaction confirms that the Controller and Accountant-General processed and released the GHS120, 711,000.00 on February 23, 2024, which was promptly received in the accounts of Service Ghana Auto Group Limited."

Subsequently, the outspoken MP petitioned the Special Prosecutor to investigate the alleged $34.9 million (GH₵538 million) procurement deal.

Mr Ablakwa filed his petition on Monday, July 22, 2024, and shared documentary evidence of the transaction in a Facebook post on the same day. 

• Read also: Ablakwa petitions OSP over Ofori-Atta’s $34.9m ambulance spare parts deal

Responding to the petition, the Special Prosecutor said Mr Okudzeto Ablakwa will be contacted for further assistance should the need arise.

Find the letter below: