The Executive Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), Sulemana Braimah, is calling for a thorough investigation into procurement practices under the government’s “Big Push” infrastructure programme.
In an interviewon Joy FM’sTopStory on Tuesday, he cited concerns over transparency and the use of public funds.
“We have presented evidence on a major initiative where billions are being spent. I expect the President to be concerned and to take the appropriate action,” Mr. Braimah said, urging authorities to take a closer look at the issues raised.
“Those who insisted that something was wrong must be principled enough to admit they got it wrong, rather than offering excuses and justifications,” he added.
Mr. Braimah further noted that while civil society has presented its findings, the responsibility now lies with the Presidency to act.
“The President has the power to investigate and look into this matter more thoroughly than we can. What we have done is to present our findings to the nation,” he stated.
The concerns follow allegations raised by The Fourth Estate, which questioned procurement processes under the programme, including possible cost inflation and irregularities in contract awards.
The issue has also drawn criticism from the minority in Parliament, which is demanding full disclosure of all contracts under the initiative.
Meanwhile, the Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Agbodza, has defended the government’s approach, insisting that procurement under the programme has largely followed competitive processes.
Addressing Parliament, Mr. Agbodza clarified that only 44 percent of major contracts were awarded through sole sourcing.
“Let me be very clear: only 44 percent of all major contracts under the Big Push initiative were awarded through sole sourcing,” he said.
He explained that a mix of procurement methods was adopted in line with the law to fast-track critical infrastructure projects, noting that some works were extensions of previously competitively procured contracts.
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Source: www.myjoyonline.com