A cloud of controversy has engulfed Mr. Frank Oliver Kpodo, Director of Administration and Finance at the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, following serious allegations of his involvement in a GH¢4.8 million procurement scandal linked to the Ministry of Defence.
The Member of Parliament for South Dayi, Nelson Rockson Dafeamekpor, has called for the immediate interdiction of Mr. Kpodo, accusing him of attempting to defraud the state through a questionable contract for the supply of vehicles in 2024. The vehicles, reportedly intended for border surveillance and election monitoring, were never delivered despite official documentation suggesting otherwise.
Mr. Kpodo, who previously served as Director of Procurement at the Ministry of Defence, defended himself during proceedings before Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Tuesday, March 31. He stated that he had since been transferred to his current role at the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources in 2025. However, this explanation has done little to quell mounting concerns over his alleged role in the transaction.
According to findings captured in the Auditor-General’s Report and disclosed earlier this month, a Stores Receipt Advice (SRA) was issued on October 12, 2024, confirming receipt of the vehicles. Investigations, however, revealed that no such delivery was ever made—raising serious questions about procurement oversight and potential collusion.
The situation has further escalated with the Ranking Member of the PAC, Samuel Atta-Mills, indicating plans to advise the Attorney-General to initiate prosecution against Mr. Kpodo. The development signals a possible legal showdown as authorities intensify efforts to clamp down on financial mismanagement in the public sector.
Compounding the issue is the revelation that the Ministry of Finance had not released funds for the contract at the time of reporting, adding another layer of complexity to the already troubling case.
As the PAC continues its probe, expectations are high that stricter recommendations will be made to address systemic lapses in accountability. Meanwhile, public confidence in government procurement processes faces renewed scrutiny as this high-profile case unfolds.
