President John Dramani Mahama has directed a full-scale review into allegations of sole-sourcing linked to the government’s flagship “Big Push” infrastructure programme.
The directive comes in response to an investigative exposé by The Fourth Estate, which raised concerns about procurement practices within the initiative.
Speaking during a meeting with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) at the Jubilee House on Monday, March 30, President Mahama revealed that his office has so far only reviewed portions of the report circulating in the media.
He emphasized the need for a comprehensive assessment before any conclusions are drawn.
“Although we have seen snippets of the investigation from the media, I have instructed my office to obtain the full detailed report from The Fourth Estate and to conduct a study of the various allegations presented,” he stated.
As part of the process, the President has also tasked the Ministry of Roads and Highways to prepare a detailed response addressing the claims outlined in the investigation. He noted that any action taken by government would be based on both the findings of the full report and the ministry’s official explanation.
Addressing concerns around sole-sourcing, President Mahama acknowledged that while the practice is permitted under Ghana’s procurement laws in certain cases, it remains a sensitive issue. He stressed that open and competitive tendering should always be the preferred option to ensure transparency, fair pricing, and value for money.
“We would all agree that open, transparent tenders are always preferable for achieving competitive pricing and value for money,” he added.
The “Big Push” programme, aimed at fast-tracking infrastructure development across the country, has attracted significant public attention since its introduction. The latest allegations have further heightened scrutiny over how contracts under the initiative are awarded.
President Mahama assured CSOs that the government would handle the matter with objectivity and seriousness, underscoring the importance of maintaining public trust in procurement processes and financial management systems.
