Municipal Health Director of Lower Manya Krobo Sets the Record Straight on Kpong Maternity Project
— Exposes “Malicious Media Attacks” on MP
The Municipal Director of Health Services for the Lower Manya Krobo Municipality, Dr. James Atampiiga Avoka, has debunked media reports alleging that the Member of Parliament for the area and Deputy Minister for the Interior, Hon Ebenezer Terlabi, misappropriated funds meant for the Kpong Maternity Health Project.
Dr. Avoka described the publication, carried by The New Crusading Guide Online, as “false, defamatory, and deliberately crafted to injure the reputation of the MP.”
According to the news report, the Health Director had “issued NHIS-funded cheques to individuals without due diligence,” and suppliers “never delivered any materials to the project site,” with portions of the funds allegedly handed directly to the MP.
However, reacting to the Media report with ExpressNewsGhana, Dr. Avoka dismissed these claims, describing them as baseless.
Facts of the Matter: Setting the record straight
Dr. Avoka explained that the MP received his standard allocation of NHIS funds in 2023—an amount of GH¢60,000—just like every other Member of Parliament.
“The cheque was lodged into the Municipal Director of Health Services account as stipulated by parliamentary guidelines for MPs’ NHIS fund disbursement,” he stated.
He confirmed that the funds were used specifically to purchase building materials for the maternity unit at the Kpong Health Center.
“Initially, the Health Directorate wanted the MP to release the money for laboratory equipment,” he clarified. “But the MP reminded us that he had already promised the people of Ayipala, Kpong, which he would help construct the maternity unit. We agreed, and the money was channeled accordingly.”
Dr. Avoka emphasized that the materials purchased with the MP’s NHIS funds were the very items used to begin the foundation of the maternity block.
“I personally inspected the foundation and made several inputs into the plan,” he said.
He added that the building plan was produced by architects from the Municipal Assembly, with the Municipal Health Directorate covering the cost of the drawings.
Materials Delivered, Recorded, and audited contrary to allegations that no materials reached the project committee, Dr. Avoka insisted:
“The building materials were delivered directly to the project site, received and counted by the Health Center In-charge and the Directorate storekeeper.”
He noted that all items were properly documented.
“The quantities supplied were tracked through Stores Receipt Advice (SRA) and audited by the Auditor General’s Department,” he stressed.
Dr. Avoka categorically rejected claims that the Health Directorate mishandled funds or failed to follow procurement procedures.
“I wish to state unambiguously that the funds were used strictly for their intended purpose and in full compliance with the Public Procurement Act,” he said.
No journalist contacted me. Health Director
Dr. Avoka expressed concern about the ethical standards of the publication.
“I have never spoken to any journalist about the use of NHIS funds,” he stated. “No journalist from The New Crusading Guide or any other outlet has contacted me regarding the maternity project.”
He described the allegations as “misleading,” “damaging,” and aimed at undermining public trust in local health administration.
“These claims are baseless and defamatory. They undermine the integrity of health services in the municipality and misinform the public,” Dr. Avoka emphasized.
Source: Felix Nyaaba/expressnewsghana.com
About Author
