President John Dramani Mahama has directed his office to obtain and review the full investigative report by The Fourth Estate following revelations surrounding procurement processes under the government’s flagship Big Push programme.
Speaking during a meeting with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) at the Jubilee House, the President acknowledged that his administration has so far only had access to portions of the investigation circulating in the media. He stressed the need for a comprehensive review before any conclusions or actions are taken.
“Although we have seen snippets of the investigation from the media, I have instructed my office to obtain the full detailed report from the Fourth Estate and to conduct a study of the various allegations presented in the report,” he stated.
The President’s directive signals a cautious but deliberate approach to addressing concerns raised about procurement practices under the Big Push programme, a major infrastructure initiative designed to accelerate development across Ghana. The programme has attracted significant public interest due to the scale of investments involved and its potential impact on national development.
Addressing the procurement concerns, President Mahama noted that while sole sourcing is permitted under Ghana’s procurement laws under specific conditions, it is not always the most desirable option. He emphasized that open and competitive tendering remains the preferred approach, as it promotes transparency, ensures competitive pricing, and delivers better value for money.
His comments come amid growing scrutiny from civil society groups and policy observers, who have called for greater accountability and transparency in the execution of large-scale government projects. The Fourth Estate’s investigation is believed to highlight potential irregularities and raise questions about compliance with procurement regulations.
The President assured stakeholders that any decisions or actions taken by the government will be guided by a thorough assessment of the full report, as well as an official response from the Ministry of Roads and Highways, which is central to the implementation of the Big Push initiative.
With public confidence and fiscal accountability at stake, the government’s next steps are expected to be closely monitored by citizens, CSOs, and development partners alike. The outcome of the review could have significant implications for procurement reforms and the future implementation of major infrastructure programmes in Ghana.
Story By: Eric Boateng
