Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has fired back at allegations that he demanded a 23 per cent commission from the contractor of the Lightwave Health Information Management System (LHIMS).

“He can go to hell and say what he wants. What’s important is that I do the job I was given,” he said.

Speaking on Adom TV’s Badwam morning show, the minister described the claims as baseless and absurd.

“Why would I offer to sign a service maintenance agreement if I was going to ask for a commission? It doesn’t even make sense,” he said.

Mr. Akandoh explained that the dispute arose from a difference over a new maintenance agreement, not financial misconduct.

“The service maintenance agreement is completely different from an extension. I never demanded a commission. If someone is determined to destroy me, they will lie, but it won’t work,” he added.

The minister recalled a tense confrontation with the vendor at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

“This guy insulted me on the streets of New York, head-on. Not everything we hear or see should be believed,” he said.

He further stressed his integrity and humility, describing himself as a “village boy and a rice farmer” who is not motivated by money.

“Even after the UNGA, I offered him another service maintenance agreement. When he came with an invoice for nearly a million dollars, I asked, “On what basis can we pay you this?” That’s how reasonable I am,” Dr. Akandoh said.

The minister concluded by noting that public service comes with challenges and false accusations, but he remains focused on his work.

“People are trying to tarnish my image, but I am looking out for bigger issues than this,” he said.