An investigative report by The Fourth Estate has uncovered that a significant majority of road contracts awarded under Ghana’s Big Push infrastructure programme were issued through sole-sourcing, raising fresh concerns about transparency and procurement practices.
According to the report, 107 road contracts were awarded within a seven-month period, yet “not a single one… was awarded based on competitive tendering,” contradicting earlier government commitments to ensure openness in public procurement.
The data reveals that 81 of the contracts, valued at more than GHS73 billion, were sole-sourced, while the remaining 26 contracts worth approximately GHS8 billion were awarded through selective tendering. This means that over 90 percent of the total value of contracts under the programme bypassed competitive bidding processes.
The findings appear to challenge assurances by Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga, who told Parliament on March 11, 2026, that “the era of the sole-sourced contract is dead.”
Minister Defends Procurement Approach
Responding to the concerns, Roads and Highways Minister Kwame Governs Agbodza maintained that the contracts were largely awarded through restrictive tendering to fast-track project implementation.
“Contracts were procured predominantly through restrictive tendering to ensure rapid project commencement,” he said, adding that the Ministry undertook extensive engineering and feasibility studies before awarding the projects.
However, data obtained through Right to Information requests from the Ministry and the Ghana Highway Authority contradicts this claim, indicating that about 76 percent of contracts during the period were sole-sourced.
Policy Contradictions and Past Positions
The Minister dismissed suggestions that the procurement approach contradicts government policy, stating that the process aligns with the ruling party’s commitment to prioritise capable Ghanaian contractors.
“Public contracts are awarded to competent, experienced, and well-resourced contractors, prioritising Ghanaian firms to build local capacity.” - Roads and Highways Minister Kwame Governs Agbodza
The revelations have also reignited debate over the Minister’s previous stance on sole-sourcing. In 2021, while in opposition, Mr. Agbodza strongly criticised the practice, arguing that it inflated project costs and limited value for money.
Growing Transparency Concerns
The report has intensified scrutiny of procurement practices under the Big Push programme, particularly at a time when the government has pledged fiscal discipline and accountability.
Analysts say the heavy reliance on sole-sourcing could undermine public confidence and raise questions about value for money, especially given the scale of investment involved.
As the debate unfolds, the findings are likely to fuel calls for stronger oversight and stricter adherence to competitive procurement processes in Ghana’s infrastructure sector.
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