The Minister for Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza, has vehemently denied allegations of irregularities in the Big Push programme, a flagship infrastructure project of President John Mahama’s government.
He noted that only 44 percent of major contracts awarded under the Projects have been executed through sole sourcing.
Addressing Parliament, Minister Agbodza clarified that claims of GH₵70 billion worth of work awarded are false, stating that ₵54 billion was allocated for new works, while ₵14.8 billion was for inherited projects.
He also disputed claims that 76% of projects were single-sourced, stating that only 44% were procured through this method.
“It will therefore be mischievous for any right-thinking member of society to conclude that the Ministry of Roads and Highways only procure works through sole sourcing,” he said on the floor of Parliament on Tuesday, March 24.
He emphasized that his government is promoting competitive procurement and criticized those spreading misinformation, urging colleagues to support the Big Push program.
The minister’s defense comes amid scrutiny of the program’s procurement processes.
He highlighted the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability, noting that all contracts awarded under the program adhered to the Public Procurement Act and are publicly available on the ministry’s website.
Mr. Agbodza emphasized that the Big Push program is making significant progress, with over 2,000km of roads under transformation nationwide.
He cited specific projects, including the Swami Interchange, Takoradi-Agona rehabilitation, and the Tumu-Sisili Navrongo road upgrading, among others.
The minister’s remarks follows a publication by The Fourth Estate, which questioned procurement procedures under the Big Push agenda, particularly the use of sole-sourcing and cost inflation.
