John Dramani Mahama Orders Probe into “Big Push” Contracts
President seeks full report from The Fourth Estate as sole-sourcing and cost concerns hit road projects
President John Dramani Mahama has instructed his office to secure the complete report from The Fourth Estate on the Big Push road projects.
This action follows a report by The Fourth Estate, which voiced concerns regarding procurement methods used in the program, such as extensive sole sourcing and potential price inflation.
The report accused the Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, of overseeing the awarding of 81 sole-sourced contracts worth over GH¢73 billion in just seven months.
During a speech at an engagement with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), the President also directed the Ministry of Roads and Highways to provide a comprehensive response on the issue to guide his decisions.
“While sole sourcing is permitted in certain cases under our current procurement law, we all agree that open, transparent tenders are generally better for securing competitive prices and value for money.
“Although we have seen parts of the investigation through the media, I have ordered my office to obtain the full detailed report from The Fourth Estate and to analyze the various allegations outlined in it.
“We are also asking the Minister for Roads and Highways to submit a detailed response to these allegations to guide government action,” he stated.
