News:
December 17, 2017
Ghana’s Parliament has given approval to the $12,527,000 Fly Zipline Inc contract for the acquisition of drones for the distribution of essential medical suppliers across the country by a 102 majority vote against 58 minority members who voted against the deal.
The minority caucus which raised red flags over the genuineness of the contract resulting in the delayed approval said the deal is not in the best interest of the country.
The approval has thus given Government the go ahead with the agreement with Fly Zipline to fly medical suppliers across the country with their drone equipment over a period of four years based on performance basis.
Some Civil Society Organizations also believe Government should have opened the tendering process up for other companies to also bid for the contract instead of the sole-sourcing approach.
Prior to the approval, the Minority failed to discuss the matter when the Health Committee of Parliament presented its report on the plenary stating that the agreement does not ensure value for money.
After the house has voted to approve the contract, Ranking Member on the Finance Committee Cassiel Ato Forson maintained the deal is a complete rip off.
According to him the Minority will meet as a caucus and consider options available to them stating they will not relent on the matter.
The Minority also demanded from the Vice President who brokered the deal to speak to its details.
Government on the other hand maintained the move which is aimed at getting blood and the distribution of other medical suppliers by drones forms part of efforts to enhance the healthcare system.
By Christian Kpesese/ ghanamps.com