The Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, has strongly defended the procurement processes underpinning Ghana’s Big Push Infrastructure Programme, insisting that all contracts awarded fully comply with the law.
Addressing Parliament, he rejected allegations of irregularities, stating that the Ministry adhered strictly to the Public Procurement Act in executing the nationwide road development initiative.
“Let me state unequivocally that all contracts awarded under the programme were done in strict adherence to the Public Procurement Act and its accompanying regulations.” - Kwame Governs Agbodza
Mr Agbodza emphasised that the Ministry remains one of the most scrutinised government institutions, regularly responding to parliamentary inquiries and committee reviews. He described this level of oversight as essential for maintaining accountability.
He noted that contract details are publicly accessible and encouraged citizens to monitor projects in their communities.
According to him, transparency is central to the programme’s implementation, with the Ministry responding promptly to requests from civil society groups and other stakeholders.
Addressing Procurement Concerns
Responding to claims of procurement breaches, the Minister dismissed suggestions of wrongdoing, describing them as misleading.
He clarified that while some contracts were awarded through sole sourcing, the majority followed competitive tendering processes.
He also explained that several projects referenced in public debates were not new contracts but inherited from previous administrations. These projects, including major interchanges and highway corridors, were revived and integrated into the Big Push framework.
“These projects were novated and revived under Big Push to give them new life and ensure completion,” he said, adding that dividing projects into multiple lots was a standard approach to speed up delivery and increase contractor participation.
On concerns about inflated costs, Mr Agbodza argued that such claims often overlook technical realities.
He explained that road construction costs vary depending on terrain, engineering complexity, and additional infrastructure such as bridges and interchanges.
“All projects underwent thorough Value for Money analysis before approval,” he said, stressing that payments are tied strictly to verified work completed on-site.
Driving National Development
The Big Push Infrastructure Programme, launched under John Dramani Mahama in 2025, aims to transform Ghana’s road network and reduce the cost of doing business.
Parliament has approved nearly GHS50 billion for the multi-year initiative, with over 2,000 kilometres of roads currently under construction or rehabilitation nationwide.
Mr Agbodza said urgency in executing the projects reflects public demand for improved roads, adding that delays would increase costs and prolong economic challenges.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to delivering the programme with “integrity, transparency, and efficiency” as it seeks to boost connectivity and economic growth across the country.
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