Ghana's government announced that 90.28% of road contracts awarded since 2025 were procured through open and competitive tendering. Government Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu presented these findings, which counter accusations that the Ministry of Roads and Highways excessively uses single-source procurement.
This assertion follows a detailed investigation initiated by President John Mahama. The investigation aimed to address allegations by groups like The Fourth Estate and the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA). These groups had suggested an abuse of single-source methods in road infrastructure projects.
The findings are crucial for public finance and government transparency in Ghana. Infrastructure development, especially roads, represents significant public investment. Ensuring fair and competitive procurement practices builds public trust. This report provides data to support the government's procurement methods in a key economic sector.
Felix Kwakye Ofosu revealed the investigation's details. He stated that President Mahama ordered the review after civil society organisations submitted evidence of alleged irregularities. Dr Valerie Sawyer, Senior Presidential Advisor on Governmental Affairs, led the investigation and produced a 72-page report. This report was submitted to the President on May 22, 2026.
The government plans to publish the full report to promote transparency and accountability. This move allows the public to scrutinize the findings independently. Enhanced transparency in public procurement is vital for Ghana's economic governance and investor confidence.
The report analyzed 1,441 road contracts awarded by agencies under the Ministry of Roads and Highways. It confirmed that 1,301 of these contracts were awarded through open competitive tendering. These projects were publicly advertised and verified, according to Mr. Kwakye Ofosu. This represents 90.28% of all contracts reviewed.
Only 140 projects, falling under the 'Big Push' initiative, used alternative procurement methods. Of these, 66 were awarded through single-source procurement. Another 51 used restrictive tendering. Additionally, 23 were 'legacy projects' inherited from the previous administration, already awarded on a single-source basis. This indicates that only 4.58% of the total contracts relied on single-sourcing.
Mr. Kwakye Ofosu also clarified that all projects using single-source or restrictive tendering methods received prior approval. This approval came from the Public Procurement Authority (PPA). He confirmed that the Ghana Highways Authority secured PPA approval for 72 'Big Push' projects. The Department of Urban Roads obtained approval for 16, and the Department of Feeder Roads for 29 projects.
The government's commitment to releasing the full report could set a precedent for future accountability. Market and civil society observers will closely monitor the public release and content of this report. Such transparency could influence future discussions on public procurement reforms and governance in Ghana.