Accra: President John Dramani Mahama has ordered an investigation into allegations of 'unmerited' sole-sourcing in the award of road contracts by the Ministry of Roads and Highways, led by Kwame Governs Agbodza.
According to Ghana Web, the President made this announcement during an event called the Presidential Dialogue with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs). He emphasized the need for the full details of the investigation conducted by the Fourth Estate, where the allegations originated, to be submitted to his office.
President Mahama stated that he has also instructed the Ministry of Roads and Highways to address all allegations cited in the report. He acknowledged the legality of sole-sourcing under certain conditions but stressed the preference for open and transparent tenders to achieve competitive pricing and value for money.
The President noted that although the media has reported on aspects of the investigation, he has mandated his office to acquire the complete report from the Fourth Estate. This will allow a comprehensive study of the allegations, and he has requested a detailed response from the Ministry of Roads and Highways to guide the government's course of action.
Mahama highlighted that the existing procurement law influences which government contracts can be sole-sourced, prompting his administration's effort to amend the law. He announced plans to introduce changes to the Public Procurement Act, aiming to restrict single sourcing, enhance transparency, and ensure proper value for money in project expenditures.
Further, President Mahama urged the Minister of Finance to expedite the establishment of an independent value-for-money office. This office will be crucial as the proposed amendments to procurement legislation will mandate rigorous value-for-money reviews for all sole-source procurements.
The investigation by the Fourth Estate revealed that the Ministry of Roads and Highways awarded 81 sole-sourced contracts totaling over GHS73 billion in just seven months.