The Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE) has called on the Auditor-General to undertake an independent and comprehensive technical audit of road projects being implemented under the Government’s “Big Push” infrastructure programme, following rising public concern over procurement practices and project delivery.
The call follows recent investigative reports by The Fourth Estate, which revealed the extensive use of Single Source Procurement and Restricted Tendering in the award of contracts under the Ministry of Roads and Highways. These findings have intensified national discourse and raised serious concerns about transparency, compliance with established procurement laws, and the overall integrity of project execution.
GhIE notes that the scale of the programme estimated at GHS 110 billion, with approximately GHS 85 billion already committed to ongoing road projects demands urgent and independent scrutiny. The Institution emphasizes that such significant public expenditure must be subjected to strict oversight to ensure value for money, guaranteeing that every cedi invested delivers measurable efficiency, accountability, and tangible benefits to the Ghanaian people.
While acknowledging the directive by President John Dramani Mahama for the Minister for Roads and Highways to respond to the allegations, GhIE maintains that the gravity of the issues raised requires an independent audit by the Auditor-General to provide objective findings, strengthen accountability, and restore public confidence.
The Institution’s request is grounded in Section 16 of the Audit Service Act, 2000 (Act 584), which empowers the Auditor-General to undertake special audits in the public interest and report findings to Parliament. GhIE considers this mandate essential at this critical moment to reinforce institutional credibility and ensure transparency in the management of public resources.
GhIE further underscores that the audit should extend beyond procurement processes to examine the full lifecycle of the projects, including feasibility studies, engineering design, procurement procedures, environmental and social compliance, and implementation. Weaknesses at any stage of this process can significantly affect cost efficiency, quality, and long-term sustainability.
The Institution also highlights that Ghana’s regulatory framework establishes competitive tendering as the default procurement method under the Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663), with alternative methods permitted only under clearly defined exceptional circumstances. In addition, the Public Investment Management Regulations, 2020 (LI 2411) require that projects undergo rigorous feasibility assessment and be incorporated into an approved Public Investment Plan prior to execution.
GhIE reiterates that strict adherence to these legal and procedural requirements is fundamental to ensuring transparency, fairness, and the efficient use of public resources. Strengthening compliance will not only improve project outcomes but also safeguard public trust and enhance the credibility of Ghana’s infrastructure delivery systems.
The Institution clarifies that its call is not intended to apportion blame but to strengthen systems, establish clear standards for public project execution, and identify gaps that must be addressed to improve future delivery.
GhIE has also indicated its readiness to support the Auditor-General with technical expertise, including the development of appropriate Terms of Reference and the identification of qualified professionals to ensure a credible and comprehensive audit process.
At a time when Ghana is undertaking one of its most ambitious infrastructure investment programmes, GhIE urges timely and decisive action to ensure accountability, transparency, and value for money in the delivery of these critical national projects.