The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament has instructed Richard Okyere-Fosu, the Director-General of the National Information Technology Agency (NITA), to provide more comprehensive documentation related to a $16 million service contract between the Ministry of Communications and Smart Infraco Limited regarding the Smart Workplace Project.
This directive follows the committee’s dissatisfaction with Mr. Okyere-Fosu’s responses to the Auditor General’s observations on the contract.
The Chairman of the Public Account Committee of Parliament, Honorable James Klutse Avedzi, emphasized the need for detailed documentation to address the concerns raised by the Auditor General.
Honorable Avedzi outlined specific documents required from Mr. Okyere-Fosu, including letters, proposals, value-for-money reports, contracts, and invoices related to the Smart Infraco Limited deal.
“I want a copy of the letter from the Ministry of Communication requesting Smart Infraco Limited to submit a proposal for the provision of this service. I need a copy of that letter from the Ministry of Communication. I also need the proposal submitted by Smart Infraco Limited, for the Smart Workplace Project.”
Honorable James Klutse Avedzi, Chairman, Public Account Committee of Parliament
He further elaborated on the necessity for comprehensive documentation on the service contract, citing a letter the Director-General of the National Information Technology Agency, Richard Okyere-Fosu wrote to Smart Infraco Limited, to which the company responded.
“They are in terms of a quota. I need a copy of their value-for-money reports on the Smart Workplace Project”, Honorable Avedzi further emphasized.
Proposals Submitted by Smart Infraco to Service Provider Contractors
Moreover, the National Democratic Congress Member of Parliament for Ketu North Constituency, Honorable James Klutse Avedzi requested copies of quotations and proposals submitted by Smart Infraco to some service provider contractors.
These documents, he noted include copies of evaluation and assessment reports of the SIL, the copies of both notifications of award and acceptance letters, in addition to a list of all MMDAs that have received support under the Smart Workplace Project.
Honorable Avedzi underscored the importance of transparency and accountability in governmental contracts, particularly those involving substantial financial commitments.
The detailed documentation requested by the committee, he noted aims to ensure that all aspects of the contract are thoroughly examined, and any discrepancies or concerns are addressed.
According to him, the Public Account Committee of Parliament will set a specific date for Mr. Okyere-Fosu to submit the required documents and provide satisfactory responses to the Auditor General’s observations.
This move, he noted is part of the committee’s broader efforts to enhance oversight and ensure that public funds are used effectively and efficiently.
The government of Ghana, through the Ministry of Communications and its implementing agency National Information Technology Agency (NITA), deployed the Smart Workplace solution to all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), and Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs).
The pilot of the ‘Smart Workplace Project’ commenced in 2018, however, the government accelerated its deployment with the advent of COVID-19 to enable public sector workers to work remotely to reduce personal contact, curb the spread of COVID-19, and ensure the safety of public servants.
The Smart Workplace roll-out is being done by NITA. Currently, 300 government agencies, including the Ghana Health Service, according to NITA are on the platform as NITA facilitates the onboarding of the next batch of agencies.
The Smart Workplace Project according to NITA has over 19 features and several benefits, which provides staff with a highly efficient virtual work environment with a single access point to all resources by interfacing with MDAs and MMDA’s internal (in-house) systems.
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