The businessman at the centre of the failed Sputnik V procurement transaction, Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum has refunded $2.4million to the Ghanaian government .
Sheikh Al Maktoum who is also a member of the Dubai royal family in a letter dated August 11, 2021, and addressed to the Chief Director of the Ministry of Health, Mr Kwabena Boadu Oku-Afari, said $2.47million has been refunded to the designated bank account provided by the Ministry.
The businessman decided to refund the money following a request from the Minister of Health, Mr Kwaku Agyeman-Manu though the refund is minus the cost of 20,000 doses ($380,000) supplied by the businessman.
The Ministry of Health engaged the services of the Private Office of Sheikh Al Maktoum for the supply of the Sputnik V vaccines. Ghana had already taken delivery of 20,000 out of an expected 300,000 doses.
Sheikh Al Maktoum was paid $2,850,000 for his services out of an expected $5,700,000 ,though the Health during
The Sheikh in his letter to the ministry also indicated that no funds had been drawn under the Letter of Credit which expired as of June 2021.
The contract for the supply of the vaccines agreement between the businessman and Ghana’s Ministry of Health was terminated last month when the supplier failed to deliver as promised
The Health Minister has come under intense public criticism for breaching procurement processes while trying to secure the Sputnik V vaccines and has admitted he signed the agreement without parliamentary or cabinet approvals, or the approval of the Public Procurement Authority (PPA).
Deputy Majority Leader, Alex Afenyo Markin, who chaired the parliamentary Committee, that investigated the transaction said with the money having been refunded, the matter should be closed.
“I can confirm that the refund has been made, and to me, the major concern to Ghanaians was a possible financial loss to the state, but the Minister was sincere before the Committee on the issues.
“This confirms that the Minister did not lie when he said he, at all material times, was dealing with a credible entity and today, the funds have fully landed in government accounts. If you ask me, I will say the Committee has no further action to take because the recommendation has been met with the refund of the money.”
There have been several calls by individuals and some civil society groups for the Health Minister to resign or be fired by the President, but Mr Afenyo Markin considers the calls misplaced and accused those behind such calls, of failing to read the report of the Committee.
“It is not our finding that the Minister lied to us, and it is because people are not reading the outcome of our probe.
“The House listened to the audio of the Minister when he appeared before us, and it was clear the Minister never lied, and that is why the Minority changed their position.
“The Minister explained to us that at that time, he was not aware of any payment made and I think people must pay attention to the details because the Minister never lied.
“I am ready to defend, because I’m defending the truth because the Minister has been very transparent in this matter and people must stop the emotional argument,” he charged.