Member of Parliament for Kpandai, Matthew Nyindam, has accused the National Democratic Congress (NDC) of previously using allegations around sole sourcing to discredit the erstwhile New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration, amid ongoing debate over the Big Push infrastructure programme.
Speaking on Adom TV’s Badwam, Mr. Nyindam argued that while in opposition, the NDC consistently portrayed sole sourcing as a corrupt practice.
“I believe that sole sourcing was something the NDC used to discredit the NPP government,” he said.
According to him, the narrative at the time framed sole sourcing as synonymous with corruption.
“They painted a picture that sole sourcing was thievery,” he added.
Mr. Nyindam also referenced comments attributed to NDC Communications Officer Sammy Gyamfi, who he said had accused the previous government of exploiting sole sourcing for personal gain.
“Sammy Gyamfi said the NPP was using that to rob the nation and even claimed that a contract worth about GH¢83 million had been awarded to a relative of then-Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia through sole sourcing,” he stated.
The Kpandai MP said the NDC had assured Ghanaians that such procurement methods would not be used if they came into power.
“The NDC made it clear that when they come to power, they will not do that,” he said, questioning what he described as a shift in position.
The comments come in the wake of the Fourth Estate’s report on the government’s Big Push initiative, which has reignited discussions on procurement practices, particularly sole sourcing.
Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, has defended the government’s approach, stating that decisions under the programme are guided by necessity and continuity.
He noted that the government has chosen not to abandon inherited projects, some of which have been restructured and absorbed into the Big Push framework due to funding constraints.
Mr. Agbodza further argued that certain procurement methods, including sole sourcing in specific cases, are aimed at fast-tracking delivery and ensuring value for money, especially for critical infrastructure projects across the country.
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Source: www.myjoyonline.com