News:
April 1, 2026
A former procurement director at Ghana’s Ministry of Defence is staring down possible prosecution after a parliamentary committee uncovered what it describes as a GH¢4.8 million fraud involving vehicles that were never delivered.
Samuel Atta-Mills, Ranking Member of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), has announced plans to formally petition the Attorney-General to prosecute Frank Oliver Kpodo over the controversial contract.
“Just to let you know, I will have a special report to the Attorney General for your prosecution,” Atta-Mills told Kpodo during a heated PAC hearing on Tuesday.
Inconsistencies and Contradictions
The committee zeroed in on what members called glaring inconsistencies in Kpodo’s testimony. According to Atta-Mills, the former defence procurement official repeatedly contradicted himself and failed to give a credible account of the transaction.
The case originates from the Auditor-General’s report, which was presented to Parliament on March 10 by Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Nyarko Ampem. The report revealed that the Ministry of Defence had entered into a contract with a private firm to supply six SUVs meant for border surveillance during the 2024 general elections.
Despite a Stores Receipt Advice (SRA)—a document confirming goods had been received—being issued on October 12, 2024, subsequent audits confirmed that the vehicles were never actually delivered.
Calls for Interdiction
South Dayi MP Nelson Rockson Dafeamekpor went a step further, demanding immediate disciplinary action against Kpodo, who now serves as Director of Finance and Administration at the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.
“I think you should be interdicted for how you carried out your functions at the Ministry of Defence,” Dafeamekpor said. “You are not responding to the issues reasonably. For me, my demand is that the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources should interdict this man.”
A Warning on Accountability
Atta-Mills used the hearing to stress the importance of transparency in public procurement, warning that lapses of this nature erode public trust and weaken state institutions.
Adding another twist to the case, the Ministry of Finance has not yet released the funds tied to the contract to the Ministry of Defence, according to officials.
Dominic Shirimori/Ghanamps.com