A lecturer at the University of Professional Studies, Kwabena Bomfeh Jnr, has called for an independent commission of inquiry into road projects under the government’s ‘Big Push’ initiative.
His remarks follow a report by The Fourth Estate, which raised concerns over procurement practices under the programme, including the extensive use of sole sourcing and possible cost inflation.
The report alleged that the Minister for Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza, oversaw the award of 81 sole-sourced contracts valued at more than GH¢73 billion within seven months.
Speaking on JoyNews AM Show on 30 March, Dr Bomfeh emphasised the need for a thorough and impartial examination of issues surrounding road contracts, including debates over sole sourcing and restrictive tendering.
He argued that many claims linking such procurement methods to corruption remain largely speculative and should not be treated as fact without proper investigation.
“The need for us is to patiently allow a commission of inquiry to go into this matter and tell us the full facts,” he said.
Dr Bomfeh cautioned against drawing premature conclusions, noting that assertions that sole sourcing or restrictive tendering automatically lead to corruption are not sufficiently substantiated.
“Everything we are saying about these issues, whether sole sourcing or restrictive tendering leads to corruption or otherwise, remains speculative. I do not want to arrive at that conclusion,” he stated.
He also criticised what he described as inconsistent positions taken by some actors, who previously condemned certain procurement practices but now appear to justify them.
Dr Bomfeh reiterated the need for an independent body to investigate the matter, drawing parallels with past inquiries such as the Justice Apau Commission on judgement debts.
“We need an independent commission of inquiry, similar to the Justice Apau Commission’s work on judgement debts, so that we can establish the facts,” he said.
He further raised concerns about the significant public funds allocated annually to road construction, questioning whether these investments are reflected in the quality of the country’s road network.
“Every year we make budgetary allocations for roads, yet every year we face deficits in the road network,” he noted.
Dr Bomfeh challenged authorities to identify any major road project that is entirely free of defects.
“Tell me one single 100-kilometre road in this country that has no problems,” he questioned.
He maintained that a comprehensive inquiry would help provide clarity, ensure accountability and guide future policy decisions in the sector.
However, addressing Parliament on 24 March, Mr Agbodza rejected claims of wrongdoing, maintaining that all contracts were awarded in strict compliance with the Public Procurement Act. He stressed that full details of the contracts, including scope, contractors, timelines and commencement dates, have been made publicly available on the Ministry’s website.
The Minister insisted that there is no scandal surrounding the Big Push programme and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transparency, accountability and efficiency in delivering road infrastructure projects.
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Source: www.myjoyonline.com