There have been calls for the Minority to focus on facts and avoid politicising every issue without proper evidence. The Minister for Roads and Highways’ explanation regarding sole sourcing and the continuation of existing contracts, particularly for ongoing projects, has been defended as transparent and devoid of any wrongdoing.
Observers argue that those with doubts should carefully examine the facts presented by the Minister rather than rely on speculation.
Given that the Minister has openly addressed the matter, it is incumbent upon the Minority to scrutinise the information provided if they suspect any irregularities in the tendering and execution of contracts under the “Big Push Projects.”
Dr. Tony Aidoo, a former Ghanaian Ambassador to the Netherlands, made these remarks during an interview on the Adekyee Mu Nsem morning show on Ahotor 92.3 FM in Accra, hosted by Citizen Kofi Owusu.
He reiterated that most contracts are awarded through competitive tendering processes, while some legacy projects initiated by the previous administration are either continued by the same contractors or handled through sole sourcing where necessary.
Dr. Aidoo further suggested that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is expressing frustration due to its inability to fully deliver on its mandate. He argued that the current administration’s efforts to implement its manifesto promises have created anxiety within the opposition.
On the issue of illegal mining (galamsey), he called on the government to reassess its strategy. He suggested that stronger enforcement measures may be required to combat the growing resistance from illegal miners operating in forest reserves, whose activities continue to cause significant environmental destruction.
In a related development, the Deputy Minister for Roads and Highways, Alhassan Suhuyini, has described the government’s “Big Push” infrastructure programme as the most comprehensive effort yet to address Ghana’s road challenges.
Reflecting on the country’s infrastructure deficit, the Tamale North MP noted that, even after more than six decades of independence, Ghana still lacks first-class road links connecting its major cities.
He emphasised that the initiative is intended to close long-standing connectivity gaps, improve inter-city transportation, and stimulate economic activity, particularly in underserved regions.
These developments follow a report by The Fourth Estate, an investigative project by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), which raised concerns about procurement practices under the programme. The report cited the extensive use of sole sourcing and the possibility of inflated costs.
According to the report, the Minister for Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza, supervised 81 sole-sourced contracts valued at over GH¢73 billion within a seven-month period. However, the Minister has rejected these claims, maintaining that only 44% of major contracts under the “Big Push” programme were awarded through sole sourcing.
