Richard Jakpa, the third defendant in the ongoing ambulance procurement trial, has assured the court that the procurement processes and specifications for the ambulances were approved by both the Cabinet and Parliament.
This reassurance came in response to a legal challenge by Attorney-General (AG) Godfred Yeboah Dame on July 2, who questioned the integrity and transparency of the procurement procedures.
Mr. Jakpa emphasized that the approval process underwent thorough scrutiny at various levels, ensuring the ambulances met all required standards and specifications.
He highlighted that both the Cabinet and Parliament conducted exhaustive evaluations, including cost assessments and technical reviews, before granting their final approval.
Mr. Jakpa stated that this stringent process was designed to ensure the best value for public funds and the highest quality of service delivery in the health sector.
AG Dame initiated the prosecution, raising concerns about potential irregularities in the procurement process and alleged financial loss to the state. He pointed out discrepancies in the pricing and quality of the ambulances, suggesting that due diligence might have been overlooked.
In court, Mr. Jakpa provided detailed documentation to support his claims, including minutes of meetings, evaluation reports, and correspondence between relevant government bodies.
He argued that the evidence demonstrated the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in the procurement of ambulances.
Mr. Jakpa further reassured the court that the entire process complied with national procurement laws and international best practices.