Commotion over Akufo-Addo’s Ambulances

The acquisition and distribution of 307 ambulances by the Nana Akufo-Addo led NPP Administration for distribution to all constituencies in the country has met criticism and praises from Ghanaians. Whereas some describe it as unprecedented, others see nothing good about it.

President lies to Ghanaians

According to the Member of Parliament for Juaboso, Hon. Kwabena Minta Akandoh, the distribution of the ambulances was just a farce, as the President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo lied to Ghanaians by telling them that he distributed 307 ambulances in the process, whereas in effect, he distributed only 230.

According to Hon. Akandoh, the ambulances assembled at the Black Star Square last Tuesday were 230 and not 307 as touted. He maintained that of those 230 ambulances, 120 were those fitted with the required gadgets.

In his view, what transpired at the Black Star Square last Tuesday in respect of the ambulances was just fun fair. He could not comprehend the government’s intention to send these ambulances to the regions for yet another fun fair launch; saying that it was all political gimmicks just to deceive Ghanaians.

On the claim by many that the procurement of these ambulances was a fulfillment of one of the President’s promises, he queried whether the NPP manifesto contained the supply of any ambulances. Stressing that this government cannot be trusted because a lot of the President’s electioneering promises had not been fulfilled as touted about.

Hon. Akandoh had earlier called on the government to distribute the ambulances assembled at the forecourt of Parliament. According to him, at that time, their number was around 100.

ROW OVER ISSUE IN PARLIAMENT

When Parliament reconvened from the Christmas holidays last Tuesday, the Majority Leader, Leader of Government Business and Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Hon. Osei Kyei Mensah – Bonsu told the house that sitting for the day should be short, since members were expected to be at the Black Star Square to witness the distribution of these ambulances.

To this, Hon. Fuseini Inusah Abdulai, MP for Tamale Central stated that there had not been any official invitation to the Minority for the occasion.

The Majority Leader pointed that it was for this reason that he had made it known to MPs in the chamber of the House, and also the emphasis on them to close earlier than usual.

Even, with the Speaker jumping in would not soften Hon. Inusah’s stance, thus leading to war of words between him and the Majority Leader.

On his part, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, Minority Leader maintained that though there had not been any official invitation to his group, the Minority, since it was a national affair and ambulances are important in the health care of Ghanaians, his colleagues should attend the inauguration exercise.

Source: S. O. Ankamah