Agbodza defends ‘Big Push’ procurement amid sole sourcing concerns

Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, has rejected claims that government’s flagship “Big Push” infrastructure programme is dominated by sole sourcing, describing such assertions as misleading.

Addressing Parliament, the Minister presented figures and safeguards to demonstrate that procurement under the programme is being conducted in line with the Public Procurement Act and guided by transparency.

He disclosed that more than 400 contracts under the initiative have been awarded through open competitive tendering, countering suggestions that non-competitive methods are the norm. According to him, while some restricted or negotiated procurement approaches have been applied, these were necessary to fast-track urgent projects and prevent cost escalations associated with delays.

The “Big Push” programme is aimed at accelerating the rehabilitation and expansion of Ghana’s road network. A key component involves reviving stalled projects inherited from the previous administration. Mr. Agbodza revealed that 23 major road projects—valued at GH¢14.88 billion—have been absorbed into the programme with new funding. These include the Suame Interchange, Ofankor–Nsawam Road, and Adenta–Dodowa Road.

He further indicated that government has made significant progress in addressing inherited arrears in the road sector, noting that over GH¢11 billion has been paid to reduce debts that exceeded GH¢40 billion. He described this as one of the largest settlements in recent history.

Currently, more than 2,000 kilometres of roads across all 16 regions are undergoing reconstruction or upgrading. The Minister added that strict payment controls have been introduced to ensure contractors are paid only upon delivery of measurable work.

Mr. Agbodza also highlighted that the programme is subject to continuous parliamentary oversight and professional scrutiny, including committee engagements, ministerial questioning, and independent cost validation by relevant bodies.

However, concerns have been raised by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA). Its Executive Director, Sulemana Braimah, warned of what he described as excessive reliance on sole sourcing. He cited data suggesting that 81 out of 107 reviewed contracts were awarded through non-competitive means, raising questions about adherence to procurement laws.

Braimah acknowledged that sole sourcing is permitted under specific conditions, such as emergencies or specialised requirements, but cautioned against its overuse.

The Minority in Parliament has also called for full disclosure of contracts under the programme. Kennedy Osei Nyarko, Ranking Member of the Roads and Transport Committee and MP for Akim Swedru, stressed that transparency and accountability are essential to maintaining public trust. His remarks follow similar concerns raised by The Fourth Estate over procurement practices, including possible cost inflation.

Despite the differing views, the Minister’s appearance before Parliament has been widely seen as a positive step for accountability. Observers say open scrutiny of such a major national programme reflects the growing strength of Ghana’s democratic processes and reinforces the importance of transparency in public sector management.