Richard Jakpa, the third accused in the ambulance procurement case, has strongly denied allegations by Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame that he received 50% of the €2.3 million paid under the contract.
Jakpa vehemently refuted the claims, stating that he did not receive any such payment, and further disputed the allegation that he failed to deliver genuine ambulances as promised under the contract.
Under cross-examination in court on Tuesday, July 2, the third accused, characterized the allegations as entirely false.
He emphasised that Big Sea, the company in question, actually incurred significant financial losses on the contract.
Jakpa further explained that the contract underwent a rigorous approval and negotiation process with the government, spanning several years, with the initial proposal submitted as far back as 2010.
He further stated that the contract received approval from the Parliamentary Health Committee, which was subsequently forwarded to the full Parliament for ratification, emphasising the thorough and transparent nature of the contracting process.
“My Lord, what the prosecution is alleging is completely false. This contract, exhibit V, was drafted by the government, and the valuation for the cost of the ambulances was done by the government. After the Ministry had satisfied itself that they were getting value for money, they proceeded to the Cabinet. The Cabinet did its due diligence and was also satisfied.
“After the Cabinet, the specifications proceeded to Parliament. The Health Committee of Parliament sat on this ambulance project, thoroughly examined the technical specifications, and compared them to the cost that the Cabinet had approved.”
“At the plenary, both NPP, his government, and the NDC voted for it according to their consciences after thoroughly perusing the technical specifications.”
The ongoing ambulance procurement case involves several high-profile individuals, including the Minority Leader in Parliament, Ato Forson, who has been accused of wrongdoing in relation to the contract.
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