Ghana’s government has revealed that 47.14% of projects under its flagship 'Big Push' infrastructure programme were awarded through sole-source procurement. This finding comes from a 72-page investigative report commissioned by President John Dramani Mahama.
The report examined 140 projects within the 'Big Push' initiative. It was triggered by allegations from The Fourth Estate and the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) concerning the Ministry of Roads and Highways' procurement processes. Government Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu stated that President Mahama ordered an independent assessment to test these claims.
This outcome highlights the government's efforts to ensure transparency and accountability in public spending. It also provides data to counter narratives about non-competitive contract awards in a critical infrastructure programme. The 'Big Push' aims to boost economic activity and improve connectivity through nationwide road construction and rehabilitation.
Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Government Spokesperson, explained the President's directive. He said, “The President wanted the allegations thoroughly examined and evidence tested.” This ensured any actions would be based on facts, not speculation, following the report’s submission.
The report clarifies the procurement landscape for these vital projects. It distinguishes between sole-source contracts, restrictive tendering, and legacy projects. This detailed breakdown helps address public concerns about how large-scale government contracts are awarded.
Out of 140 'Big Push' projects, 66 were sole-sourced. Another 51 projects were procured through restrictive tendering. Additionally, 23 projects were inherited from the previous administration, already having been awarded through sole-sourcing. Mr Kwakye Ofosu noted that these figures invalidate claims that sole-sourcing dominated the programme.
Across the entire roads sector, the government awarded 1,441 contracts. A significant 1,301 of these, representing 90.28%, were awarded through open and competitive tendering. Only 4.58% of all 1,441 contracts were sole-sourced, affirming competitive tendering as the main method.
All sole-sourced and restrictive-tendered 'Big Push' projects received prior approval from the Public Procurement Authority (PPA). This compliance confirms adherence to legal requirements for procurement. The Ghana Highways Authority secured PPA approval for 72 projects, including 51 sole-source contracts. The Department of Urban Roads and the Department of Feeder Roads also obtained necessary PPA approvals for their projects.
The full 72-page report will be published, allowing public scrutiny of its findings. The government maintains that competitive tendering remained the primary procurement method. This applies to both the general roads sector and the 'Big Push' programme specifically. This transparency aims to build public trust in government contracting.
This disclosure is crucial for market and financial observers. It offers insight into the government's approach to large infrastructure spending. Future procurement decisions and public confidence in government projects will likely be influenced by these findings. Investors will monitor the continued implementation of the 'Big Push' with this new transparency in mind.