The Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE) has called for an independent audit of the government’s GH¢110 billion “Big Push” road infrastructure initiative, citing growing concerns over procurement processes and project execution.
In a petition submitted to the Auditor-General, the Institution urged a thorough technical review of the programme, emphasizing that the scale of investment requires strict oversight and accountability.
The appeal follows investigative findings by The Fourth Estate, which revealed the extensive use of single-source procurement and restricted tendering in contract awards under the Ministry of Roads and Highways—raising issues around transparency, compliance, and value for money.
GhIE noted that about GH¢85 billion has already been committed to ongoing projects, stressing the need for a credible audit to protect public funds and ensure proper delivery.
While acknowledging President John Dramani Mahama’s directive for the Roads Minister to respond to the concerns, the Institution maintained that only an independent review by the Auditor-General can deliver impartial conclusions and rebuild public trust.
Citing Section 16 of the Audit Service Act, 2000 (Act 584), GhIE highlighted the Auditor-General’s authority to conduct special audits in the national interest and report findings to Parliament.
The Institution further recommended that the audit should cover the full project lifecycle—from feasibility studies and engineering design to environmental compliance and implementation—warning that lapses at any stage could impact costs, quality, and sustainability.
It also referenced provisions in the Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663), and the Public Investment Management Regulations, 2020 (LI 2411), which mandate competitive tendering and proper project planning.
GhIE clarified that its call is aimed at strengthening accountability and improving infrastructure delivery, not assigning blame. It also expressed readiness to provide technical support to ensure a comprehensive and credible audit.
The Institution urged prompt action to safeguard transparency, accountability, and value for money in the execution of the country’s flagship road projects.
Source: citinews
