Gov’t refutes sole-sourcing claims, defends big push contracts as lawful

The government has rejected claims that its Big Push Infrastructure Programme is dominated by sole sourcing, with Roads and Highways Minister Kwame Governs Agbodza insisting all contracts have been awarded in line with Ghana’s procurement laws.

Addressing Parliament, Agbodza described allegations of widespread sole sourcing as misleading, stating that only 44% of major contracts—including those under the Big Push—were awarded through sole sourcing. More than 400 contracts, he said, have been procured through open competitive tendering, countering suggestions that the Ministry relies primarily on non-competitive methods.

He explained that a mix of procurement approaches, as permitted under the law, was necessary to respond to the urgency of rehabilitating Ghana’s deteriorating road network. Relying exclusively on lengthy procurement processes, he argued, would have delayed critical projects and raised costs.

The Minister disclosed that 23 abandoned road projects, valued at GH¢14.88 billion and inherited from the previous administration, have been incorporated into the programme with dedicated funding. These include the Suame Interchange, Ofankor–Nsawam Road and Adenta–Dodowa Road. Without the current intervention, he said, many would have remained stalled.

Mr. Agbodza said the programme is structured around 12 economic corridors, divided into 54 lots to enhance competition and speed up delivery. More than 2,000 kilometres of roads across all 16 regions are currently under construction or rehabilitation, he added.

On value for money, the Minister outlined measures including government-led surveys, design and costing, alongside independent assessments of contractors’ proposals. He added that stricter monitoring systems have been introduced to ensure payments are tied strictly to verified work completed.

He dismissed criticisms based on “cost per kilometre” comparisons as overly simplistic, arguing they fail to account for variations in project scope, engineering complexity and associated infrastructure such as interchanges and bridges.

The programme, he noted, remains subject to parliamentary oversight through questions, committee reviews and independent validation of project costs by professional bodies.

Mr. Agbodza also highlighted inherited fiscal pressures, stating that several projects awarded in 2024 lacked adequate financial backing and competitive procurement, contributing to arrears exceeding GH¢ 40 billion. Government has so far paid more than GH¢11 billion to reduce these obligations, he said.

Reaffirming his position, the Minister maintained that there has been no breach of procurement laws and no abuse of sole sourcing under the Big Push programme, describing it as “the exception rather than the norm.”

He urged Parliament and the public to support the initiative, warning that misinformation risks undermining a programme he said is critical to improving road infrastructure, lowering transport costs and supporting economic activity.

“The Big Push is delivering real results across the country,” he said.

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