Ex-Defence Ministry procurement director to face prosecution over GH¢4.8m scandal

PAC Ranking Member Calls for Prosecution Over Alleged GH¢4.8 Million Defence Contract Fraud

The Ranking Member of Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Samuel Atta-Mills, has called for the prosecution of a former procurement director at the Ministry of Defence, Frank Oliver Kpodo, over an alleged GH¢4.8 million fraud linked to a vehicle supply contract.

Mr Atta-Mills stated that he would formally petition the Attorney-General to initiate legal action against Mr Kpodo, accusing him of attempting to defraud the state through the disputed procurement deal.

“Just to let you know, I will have a special report to the Attorney-General for your prosecution,” he told Mr Kpodo during a PAC sitting on Tuesday, March 31, when officials from the Ministry of Defence appeared before the committee to respond to the allegations.

The committee deliberated extensively on the matter before reaching its position. Mr Atta-Mills noted that Mr Kpodo repeatedly contradicted himself and failed to provide clear and satisfactory answers regarding the contract under scrutiny.

The issue arises from findings contained in the Auditor-General’s Report, which was disclosed by the Deputy Minister of Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, on March 10, 2026.

The report details a contract between the Ministry of Defence and a private company for the procurement of six SUV vehicles intended for border surveillance and monitoring during the 2024 general elections.

According to the findings, a Stores Receipt Advice (SRA)—an official document confirming receipt of goods—was issued on October 12, 2024. However, subsequent verification revealed that the vehicles were never delivered.

Mr Atta-Mills emphasized the need for strict accountability in the management of public funds, warning that procurement irregularities of this nature erode public trust and weaken institutional integrity. He indicated that the PAC would make further recommendations as its hearings into the matter continue.

Meanwhile, the Member of Parliament for South Dayi, Nelson Rockson Dafeamekpor, has also called for disciplinary action against Mr Kpodo, who currently 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. We demand that because 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,” he stated.

At the time of the hearing, the Ministry of Finance had not released funds to the Ministry of Defence in relation to the contract. Investigations and committee proceedings are ongoing, with further actions expected following the PAC’s final recommendations.