The Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, has strongly refuted claims of procurement irregularities under the government’s big push program, insisting that all processes complied with the law.
Addressing Parliament of Ghana during the 29th Sitting of the 1st Meeting of the 2nd Session of the 9th Parliament, the Minister said recent reports suggesting that over GH₵70 billion worth of contracts were awarded under the program, most through sole sourcing, are inaccurate.
He explained that issues surrounding procurement under the Big Push Programme have been misrepresented, stressing that the ministry has remained transparent in its dealings.
According to him, the ministry willingly and promptly provided details on ongoing road projects to an online platform that had requested the information, dismissing suggestions of any attempt to conceal facts.
Kwame Governs Agbodza noted that the Roads Ministry is one of the most scrutinized institutions in government, with an average of 10 parliamentary questions filed weekly on matters ranging from contract awards to project timelines.
He welcomed the continued scrutiny, stating that it strengthens accountability and ensures that the ministry aligns with the expectations of Ghanaians.
On the issue of procurement, the minister stated unequivocally that all contracts awarded under the program were done in strict adherence to the Public Procurement Act and its accompanying regulations.
He added that all contractual information has been made publicly available on the ministry’s website, while Parliament has exercised continuous oversight through regular questioning and committee engagements.
The minister further indicated that independent professional bodies validated the project costs, reinforcing the credibility of the procurement processes.
He dismissed claims that there had been any abuse of sole sourcing, stating that no procurement law or any other law had been breached.
“There is no scandal,” he emphasized.
Addressing figures circulating online, Kwame Governs Agbodza clarified that the government did not award over GH₵70 billion worth of contracts under the program.
He explained that about GH₵54 billion was allocated for new projects, while an additional GH₵14.8 billion covers 23 projects inherited from the previous administration.
He also rejected claims that 76 percent of projects were sole-sourced, stating that only about 44 percent of contracts fell under sole sourcing arrangements.
Kwame Governs Agbodza reiterated that the government is making steady progress in improving procurement practices, with a stronger emphasis on competitive bidding processes.
He assured Parliament that the ministry remains committed to transparency, efficiency, and strict compliance with procurement laws in delivering road infrastructure across the country.
