The government has mounted a strong defense of procurement processes under its flagship Big Push infrastructure programme, insisting that all contracts awarded complied fully with Ghana’s legal framework.
Sammy Gyamfi, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board and National Communications Officer of the ruling National Democratic Congress, has stated that the use of sole sourcing in awarding certain road projects was lawful, justified, and properly regulated.
According to him, each contract awarded through sole sourcing received prior approval from the Public Procurement Authority, in accordance with provisions under the Public Procurement Law.
He emphasized that the law explicitly permits sole sourcing under specific conditions, including urgency, provided the necessary approvals are obtained.
Mr Gyamfi rejected suggestions that the procurement method had been abused, stressing that there is no evidence of legal breaches or inflated contract values in relation to the Big Push projects.
Urgency Drives Procurement Decisions
At the heart of the government’s position is the urgency surrounding Ghana’s deteriorating road infrastructure. Mr Gyamfi described the poor condition of roads as a serious national concern, linking it to rising cases of road accidents and security challenges.
He explained that extensive preparatory work, including surveying, design, and costing, took several months to complete, reflecting the scale and complexity of the projects.
“Resorting to the National Competitive Tendering process for the award of these critical road projects would have taken another couple of months before the projects could even commence. This could have delayed the completion of most of the projects beyond 2028”.
Sammy Gyamfi, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board and National Communications Officer of the ruling National Democratic Congress
According to him, the need to fast track these projects justified the use of sole sourcing, as delays could have extended completion timelines well beyond acceptable limits and slowed national development efforts.
Challenges with Competitive Tendering
Mr Gyamfi also pointed to the practical challenges associated with competitive tendering, noting that such processes can be lengthy and complicated. He cited examples of procurement exercises that have taken months, and in some cases close to a year, without reaching completion.
These delays, he argued, demonstrate that while competitive tendering remains important, it is not always suitable for projects that require immediate action. He maintained that the law provides flexibility to address such situations, and that the government acted within those provisions.
He further stressed that the decision to use sole sourcing was not arbitrary but based on careful consideration of timelines, national priorities, and legal requirements.
“In opposition, the NDC never said sole-sourcing was a sin or unlawful. We only preached against the unjustified use and abuse of sole-sourcing in the award of government projects, some of which were established by the Auditor General to be inflated”.
Sammy Gyamfi, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board and National Communications Officer of the ruling National Democratic Congress
He noted that past concerns were based on documented cases where procurement processes were found to be irregular or contracts inflated. In contrast, he argued, no such evidence has been presented in relation to the Big Push projects.
He questioned the basis for current criticisms, suggesting that it is inaccurate to equate lawful and justified use of sole sourcing with past instances of misuse.
Inherited Projects and Misrepresentation Claims
Mr Gyamfi also addressed concerns about the number of projects awarded through sole sourcing, explaining that a portion of the Big Push projects were inherited from the previous administration. According to him, several road projects currently under the programme were initially awarded under similar procurement methods.
He stated that these projects were not re awarded but continued through a process of novation, with the current government providing funding to ensure their completion. He accused critics of misrepresenting the facts by including these inherited projects in claims against the present administration.
This, he argued, creates a misleading impression about the scale of sole sourcing under the Big Push programme.
Oversight and Accountability Measures
In defending the integrity of the procurement process, Mr Gyamfi highlighted the safeguards in place to ensure accountability. He noted that contracts were awarded to multiple contractors with proven capacity, rather than a select few.
He explained that payments are based on verified work completed and are subject to certification by independent consultants. Additionally, value for money audits were conducted to ensure that project costs remain reasonable and justified.
According to him, these mechanisms provide sufficient oversight to prevent misuse of public funds and ensure that projects deliver value to the state.
The ongoing discussion around the Big Push programme reflects a broader debate about how best to balance efficiency and transparency in public procurement.
While some stakeholders continue to advocate for strict reliance on competitive tendering, the government maintains that flexibility is necessary in addressing urgent national challenges.
Mr Gyamfi’s remarks underscore the administration’s view that infrastructure development cannot be delayed by procedural bottlenecks when the stakes are high. He argued that improving road infrastructure is critical not only for economic growth but also for public safety.
He concluded that the focus should remain on delivering results that benefit citizens, while ensuring that all actions are grounded in the law.
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