The President, John Dramani Mahama, has declared that the government intends to introduce amendments to the Public Procurement Act with the aim of limiting single-source procurement. This move, he explained, is designed to improve transparency and guarantee value for money in public projects.
He disclosed this during a meeting with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) at the Jubilee House in Accra on Monday, March 30.
The President stated that these reforms are part of a broader effort to address concerns raised by a recent investigative report published by The Fourth Estate regarding the Big Push program.
According to the news firm, the minister of roads and highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza, oversaw 81 sole-sourced contracts valued at over GH¢73 billion within a seven-month period.
President Mahama has since demanded a full report from the Fourth Estate and a probe into the matter.
He further asked the Ministry of Roads and Highways to submit a comprehensive response to guide government action.
“I note the recent expose by the Fourth Estate on procurement processes related to the award of contracts under the Big Push Programme. While sole sourcing is legal under certain circumstances, open, transparent tenders are always preferable for achieving competitive pricing and value for money,” President Mahama said.
“It is precisely for such situations that I announce that the government will introduce amendments to the Public Procurement Act to limit single sourcing, promote greater transparency, and ensure proper value for money for the funds we spend on projects,” the President said.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Finance has been directed to fast-track the establishment of an independent value for money office, which will scrutinise all single-source procurements under the revised legislation.
“Single sourcing must be used as sparingly as possible, and we will consult with civil society on the new legislation we propose to restrict its use,” he added.
“Together we can rebuild and strengthen public trust in our institutions,” he added.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
