Government Communications Minister Felix Kwakye Ofosu has confirmed that former Health Minister Kwaku Agyemang-Manu was arrested and questioned over his involvement in the controversial Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine procurement.
Speaking on PM Express on JoyNews on Tuesday, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu revealed that the former minister could face criminal charges as investigations advance.
“He was arrested, interrogated, questioned, and cautioned. There are two active dockets concerning him: one related to the Sputnik V vaccine case and another linked to COVID-19 frontier issues. In the coming weeks, the Attorney General will take him to court to face charges,” he stated.
He added: “The arrest was carried out by the National Intelligence Bureau a few months ago, last year. So claims that he hasn’t been charged are false.”
Background: The Sputnik V Vaccine Controversy
The case stems from a 2021 agreement to procure Russian Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccines at the height of the pandemic. Under Mr. Agyemang-Manu’s leadership, the Ministry of Health contracted a United Arab Emirates intermediary, Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum, alongside Ghanaian firm S.L. Global, to supply millions of doses.
The deal drew widespread criticism after it emerged that Ghana agreed to pay about $19 per dose—nearly double the estimated $10 price from the manufacturer.
A parliamentary ad hoc committee later determined that the agreements were signed without parliamentary approval or clearance from the Public Procurement Authority. It also revealed that approximately $2.85 million (over GH¢16 million) had already been paid for vaccines that were never delivered.
The government terminated the contract in July 2021 following public and parliamentary outcry over the procurement process.
Mr. Kwakye Ofosu noted that ongoing investigations will guide the next legal steps, with charges against the former minister likely to be filed in connection with the controversial transaction.