Programme Manager for the Independent Journalism Project at the Media Foundation for West Africa, Kwaku Krobea Asante has defended findings by The Fourth Estate—the investigative arm of the foundation—following revelations of extensive sole-sourcing in Ghana’s road sector.
Speaking on the Asaase Breakfast Show on Tuesday (24 March), Krobea Asante said the growing reliance on sole sourcing by governments reflects a troubling pattern where political promises on procurement reform are often abandoned once in power.
His comments come after The Fourth Estate reported that the Ministry of Roads and Highways awarded 81 sole-sourced contracts worth over GHS73 billion within seven months under the government’s “Big Push” infrastructure programme—despite President John Mahama’s repeated pledge to minimise the practice.
Krobea Asante suggested that such inconsistencies risk undermining the core objectives of Ghana’s procurement framework, particularly transparency, competitiveness and value for money.
He stressed that while sole sourcing is legally permitted under exceptional circumstances, its widespread application raises accountability concerns and demands stronger scrutiny.
The MFWA programme manager further indicated that the findings highlight the need for public institutions to align procurement practices with both legal requirements and political commitments.
The issue has sparked renewed debate about procurement governance in Ghana, with civil society organisations calling for stricter oversight and enforcement.
Source: asaaseradio.com
