In a shocking development, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament for North Tongu, has disclosed that three key figures implicated in the controversial US$108 million ambulance procurement deal involving President Akufo-Addo’s daughters have left Ghana. This revelation comes days after the December 7, 2024, presidential and parliamentary elections.
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, a proud Ghanaian and Pan-Africanist, serves as the Member of Parliament for the North Tongu Constituency. He is also the Chairman of the Committee on Assurances and a former Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Information in Ghana.
The individuals named are Stephen Okereke Elendu Kalu Okoro, Frank Agyekum Boateng, and Vivian Oppong Kyekyeku, all of whom played significant roles in the alleged sweetheart deal. According to Hon. Ablakwa’s detailed Twitter exposé, these individuals fled the country under suspicious circumstances:
Stephen Okereke Elendu Kalu Okoro
Stephen Okoro, described as a longtime business partner of Gyankroma Akufo-Addo and Edwina Akufo-Addo, departed Ghana on November 27, 2024. He left through Kotoka International Airport aboard British Airways flight BA2066, bound for Gatwick, UK. Immigration records confirm that Mr. Okoro presented both Nigerian and Ghanaian passports during his departure. Okoro is a director of Elok Consult and Services Limited, a company reportedly single-sourced to import overpriced ambulances as part of the controversial Akufo-Addo daughters ambulance scandal.
Earlier investigations revealed that Elok Consult and Services Limited was on the verge of receiving an additional US$34.9 million payment for spare parts—an expenditure authorized without parliamentary approval by the outgoing Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta. Mr. Okoro is also linked to companies SFO Initiatives Limited, Goodbox Limited, and Good Grow Limited, all co-registered with Gyankroma and Edwina Akufo-Addo.
Frank Agyekum Boateng
Frank Agyekum Boateng, another critical player in the scandal, reportedly left Ghana on November 26, 2024, a day before Mr. Okoro. His destination was Washington, USA, aboard United Airlines flight UA3010. Immigration records indicate he traveled with a Ghanaian passport. Boateng is a director of BEFT Engineering, a company allegedly incorporated solely to facilitate the inflated ambulance deal.
Vivian Oppong Kyekyeku
Vivian Oppong Kyekyeku, connected to Luxury World Auto Group Limited, reportedly left Ghana earlier on August 31, 2024, following Hon. Ablakwa’s initial exposé and subsequent criminal complaint to the Office of the Special Prosecutor. Kyekyeku used Delta Airlines flight DL157 to New York, presenting both Ghanaian and US passports at immigration. She has not returned to Ghana since her departure.
Ongoing Investigations and Calls for Accountability
Hon. Ablakwa emphasized that these departures are part of a broader scheme to evade justice. He assured Ghanaians that efforts are underway to track the fugitives in collaboration with international partners. “They can run but they surely can’t hide. Judgment day has come,” Ablakwa declared.
The Auditor-General’s report on the $108 million ambulance deal highlighted multiple irregularities, raising concerns about corruption and abuse of public funds. As the investigation continues, Ablakwa reiterated his commitment to ensuring that those responsible face the full force of the law.
Public Reaction
The exposé has sparked outrage among Ghanaians, with calls for immediate action from the Office of the Special Prosecutor and other law enforcement agencies. Many view this scandal as a litmus test for Ghana’s commitment to transparency and accountability in tackling corruption scandals such as the inflated ambulance contracts.
Sweet Melodies 94.3 FM will continue to follow this story closely, bringing you updates as they unfold, including new developments on the Ghana corruption scandals of 2024 and responses from the Office of the Special Prosecutor.
