According to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Health Minister Kwaku Agyeman-Manu has endured a great deal of suffering in the Ministry.
The President, speaking amid laughing, recognized the Minister as one of the famous sons of the Bono Region who has served his government well.
Although the President made no direct mention of the contentious Sputnik V Vaccine procurement agreement, his remark seems to be in reference to it, given that the Minister has taken a two-week leave of absence in response to demands to quit over the failed vaccine procurement contract.
The government appointee has drawn significant criticism after openly admitting to violating procurement procedures in order to get Sputnik V vaccinations to immunize Ghanaians against the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), which has sickened thousands of Ghanaians and killed over 800.
President Akufo-Addo stated during a two-day visit to the Bono Region on Tuesday, August 10, 2021, “There are many individuals from the Bono Region in my administration, including the Minister of Health, who is now getting slaps [from Ghanaians].” He is a Dormaa native. He has really suffered at that Health Ministry and continues to suffer,” he added, laughing alongside dignitaries and others assembled at the event.
The Health Minister has been under fire for allegedly violating procurement procedures in order to get Sputnik V vaccines for Ghana.
Agyeman-Manu signed the deal without seeking permission from Parliament or the Cabinet. Additionally, he failed to get permission from the Public Procurement Authority (PPA).
Additionally, Ghana paid more than US$2.8 million to an intermediary, Sheikh Al Maktoum, for the purchase of the Sputnik V vaccine, contrary to the Minister’s assertion that no money was given for the goods.
The money should be recovered, according to a report compiled by a parliamentary committee charged with investigating the transaction.
Last Monday, the Minority in Parliament urged President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to quickly remove the Minister of Health, claiming that he is unfit for duty.
They claim Agyeman-Manu breached the 1992 constitution and his oath of office by attempting to acquire vaccines without consulting Parliament or the cabinet.
“It is without a reasonable question that the minister violated his oath of office and, for that matter, he failed to respect our country’s constitution and laws.”
“I believe the Minister should face sanctions. The president must dismiss him. He is unfit to serve as a minister of state and must therefore be removed from office immediately, failing which this House must adopt a resolution of censure against the minister,” Minority Chief Whip Muntaka Mubarak said.
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