[ad_1]
The parliamentary committee that investigated the Sputnik V vaccine contract recommended in its final report that the Ministry of Finance take action to recover sums owed to the Republic in the amount of USD 2,850,000.00 (cedi equivalent of 16 331,640.00 GH ¢) being the cost of the Sputnik-V vaccines it was proposed to purchase.
The Committee said it found that the Ministry of Health did not seek approval from the Public Procurement Authority Council (APP) under Articles 40 and 41 of Law 663 before signing the agreements.
However, the ministry requested ratification under section 90 (3) (c) of the law. Which still has not been granted.
The Committee also found that PPA has not completed its investigations into the case.
Relations with distributors
REPORT-OF-COMMITTEE-AD-HOC-FINAL-1 Download
The Committee noted that the Ministry was dealing with the Cabinet of His Highness Al Maktoum and SL Global. The two entities were appointed by Aurugulf Health Investment (Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates), to be both agents and distributors of Sputnik-V COVID-19 vaccines in Ghana. Clearly use intermediaries for the purchase and distribution of the vaccine.
Cost of vaccines
The Committee found that the amount of US $ 19.00 was the agreed price of the vaccine under the ministry’s agreement with Al Maktoum and US $ 18.50 under the
Agreement with SL Global which was originally $ 26 per dose.
The Committee found that the ex-works price of Sputnik-V vaccine was US $ 10.00.
The minister explained that the prices obtained under the two agreements included the cost of documentation, shipping, packaging, logistics and expenses related to transporting the vaccine from its place of origin in Ghana. .
Decision to procure vaccines
The committee found that the ministry entered into both agreements without cabinet approval, but only on the basis of a ministerial decision, given the advice of the COVID-19 emergency operational committee.
Payment to MM. Al Maktoum
The Committee noted that the amount of USD 2,850,000.00 (representing 50% of the contract amount of USD 5,700,000.00) was paid to Messrs. GH ¢ 5.73 when the Minister said he had no knowledge of the sworn payment.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Based on the above findings, the Committee recommends the following:
Questions relating to Article 181 (5) of the Constitution
The Committee is of the opinion that even if the situation in the country at the time of the signing of the Agreement was one of emergency, due process should have been observed because Parliament would have treated the matter with the urgency that it deserved and the appropriate action would have been taken accordingly. The Agreement would have been concluded under a certificate of urgency in accordance with the Rules and practices of the House.
It should also be noted that, even if it was an emergency, the minister should have found the time to communicate effectively and to have a dialogue with the health committee.
The extended engagement would have saved the ministry from negative reactions from citizens and some members of parliament.
The Committee therefore recommends that in the future, any such transaction, whether local or international, be subject to broader consultations with stakeholders and be subject to due process, including approval. of Parliament. Other ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) should be guided by the recommendation, not only in the case of agreements but also in matters relating to the policies and programs to be implemented.
—3news.com
Source link
