Minister for Health, Kwaku Agyeman Manu, has welcomed the setting up of a special adhoc Committee of Parliament to investigate the circumstances surrounding the procurement of the Russian Sputnik-V COVID-19 Vaccines from a private entity at a cost deemed to be above the international price.
He however has indicated readiness to be available should he be invited by the committee.
“I will Demonstrate to the Committee that I did not cause any Financial Loss to the State with the Sputnik-V Vaccine procurement,” the Minister stated in reactions to an accusation on the Floor of Parliament on Thursday, July 8, 2021.
The Minister signed an agreement of a procurement contract between the Government of Ghana and Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum and S L Global for the supply of the Sputnik-V COVID-19 Vaccines at a cost of $19 and $26 when the prevailing price is said to be averaging around $10.
Supporting a Private Members Motion moved on the Floor of Parliament to set up a bi-partisan committee to investigate the COVID-19 Vaccine procurement, the Minority Chief Whip, Alhaji Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, accused the Health Minister of not being truthful with the transaction to purchase the vaccines manufactured in Russia.
There has also been concerns over the high cost of the vaccines which were beyond the prevailing price on the international market as well as concerns of inconsistencies in the integrity of the private company involved in the deal.
Based on this, the Minority have sponsored the Private Members Motion which is in the name of Haruna Iddrisu, Alhaji Mohammed Muntaka, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Sebastian Ngmenenso Sandaare, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Mark Kurt Nawaane, and Ernest Henry Norgbey.
Meanwhile, the Health Minister has however indicated that he has done nothing wrong and will be proving to the Committee that he took the right decisions in the interest of the public and country.
