Presidential staffer Gilbert Attipoe has publicly challenged the accuracy of a report by The Fourth Estate regarding sole-sourced contracts under the government’s ‘Big Push’ infrastructure programme. Mr. Attipoe stated that official records from state regulatory institutions contradict key claims in the media organization’s publication. He defended the 72-page report produced by the committee chaired by Dr. Valerie Sawyerr.
Mr. Attipoe’s challenge follows The Fourth Estate’s March 2026 report. That report alleged that the Ministry of Roads and Highways had become a hub for sole-sourcing under the ‘Big Push’ initiative. It also claimed that contracts were awarded to companies with questionable capacity and experience. Mr. Attipoe’s social media post on Tuesday, August 11, directly addressed these allegations.
This dispute fits into a broader narrative of transparency and accountability in public procurement in Ghana. Concerns about sole-sourcing have frequently arisen in major government projects. The 'Big Push' initiative, a significant infrastructure development plan, involves substantial public funds. Ensuring proper oversight and due diligence is crucial for public trust and economic efficiency.
Mr. Attipoe argued that the committee’s findings were based on statutory records and documentary evidence. He rejected suggestions that the committee deliberately published inaccurate information or was misled. He specifically pointed to the registration history of Growth 82 Ventures. Records from the Office of the Registrar of Companies show the company was incorporated on August 18, 2020, under registration number BN680822020. This contradicts any assertion that the company’s existence did not align with the committee’s report timeline.
Furthermore, Mr. Attipoe cited records from the Ministry of Roads and Highways for Growth 82 Global Ltd. He stated the company holds an A1, B1 financial classification. This is the top-tier classification required for major infrastructure works. This classification demonstrates the company’s statutory capacity to undertake large projects. Such details are vital for assessing the legitimacy of contract awards.
The presidential staffer also disputed claims about the workforce capacity of contractors. He referenced SSNIT records for Build Managers Ltd and Sanam Ghana Ltd. These records show active employee rolls of 20 and 26 workers respectively. Both companies also held valid SSNIT Clearance Certificates. They had met their statutory obligations under the National Pensions Act, 2008 (Act 766). These facts, he argued, undermine concerns about the companies' workforce capacity.
Mr. Attipoe accused The Fourth Estate of failing to conduct adequate verification of regulatory records. He believes their publication unfairly cast doubt on the professional integrity of Dr. Valerie Sawyerr and the committee members. He called for The Fourth Estate to retract its publication and issue an unreserved public apology. This demand highlights the tension between investigative journalism and official government narratives.
The implications of this challenge are significant for media accountability and public discourse. A retraction or apology from The Fourth Estate would impact its credibility. Conversely, if The Fourth Estate stands by its report, it could deepen public scrutiny of government contracts. Decision-makers and the public will watch closely for further responses from both parties. This situation underscores the importance of accurate reporting and transparent government operations in Ghana.