BY Issah Olegor
A major procurement controversy is unfolding following revelations that a government ministry under President John Mahama awarded 81 contracts through sole sourcing within just seven months, with the total value exceeding GH₵73 billion.
The findings, contained in an investigation by The Fourth Estate, a media outfit that specializes in investigative journalism have triggered intense public debate, with critics questioning the scale, frequency, and justification of the non-competitive procurement method, which accounted for more than 90 percent of the total contract value awarded within the period.
The data suggests that, on average, more than 11 contracts were sole-sourced every month—raising concerns among governance experts who argue that such a pattern departs significantly from the intended use of sole sourcing under Ghana’s Public Procurement Law.
The law permits the method only under exceptional circumstances, such as urgency or where a single supplier is available.
Mounting Questions Over Procurement Practices
Analysts say the frequency of the contracts makes it difficult to justify all 81 cases under emergency conditions, raising questions about value for money. Concerns have also been raised about transparency and good governance, as sole sourcing bypasses competitive tendering processes that typically ensure cost efficiency and fairness.
A procurement expert, reacting to the report, described the development as “alarming,” warning that when sole sourcing becomes routine, it undermines accountability and public trust.
The GH₵73 billion price tag has further intensified scrutiny, given its potential impact on national finances. Observers note that such an amount rivals major public expenditure programmes and could have significant implications for sectors like infrastructure, education, and healthcare if not properly managed.
Mahama’s Position And Previous Assurances
The development has drawn particular attention because of President John Mahama’s earlier public stance on procurement discipline. During his first State of the Nation Address in February 2025, he assured Ghanaians that his administration would not tolerate excessive reliance on sole sourcing.
He reiterated that position in subsequent public engagements, emphasizing prudent spending and fiscal responsibility.
In Parliament, the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga also reinforced this commitment, declaring that “the era of sole-source contracts is dead.”
However, the latest revelations appear to contradict these assurances, with critics accusing the government of adopting a practice it previously condemned while in opposition.
Sammy Gyamfi’s Past Criticism And Present Defence
The issue has also brought renewed attention to comments made by Sammy Gyamfi, now Chief Executive Officer of Goldbod, who was one of the most vocal critics of sole sourcing during the previous administration.
At the time, he alleged that sole sourcing had become widespread, claiming that about 90 percent of road contracts in a given year were awarded without competitive tendering and suggesting possible corruption and inflated contracts.
In the wake of the current controversy, however, Sammy Gyamfi has mounted a strong defence of the government’s actions, particularly in relation to major road projects under the “Big Push” initiative.
He argues that: The poor state of roads constitutes a national security threat, contributing to accidents and crime, extensive preparatory work, including surveying, design, and costing, took several months before contracts were awarded, and competitive tendering processes could delay project execution significantly, potentially pushing completion timelines beyond 2028.
Sole sourcing in these cases was legally justified under Section 40 of the Public Procurement Law on grounds of urgency and received approval from the Public Procurement Authority (PPA).
Sammy Gyamfi further insists that there is no evidence of inflated costs or abuse of process, stating that value-for-money audits were conducted and that payments are based on verified work completed.
He also dismissed aspects of The Fourth Estate’s findings as misleading, arguing that some of the contracts cited were inherited from the previous administration and merely continued under existing arrangements rather than newly awarded.
Echoes Of Past Controversies
The revelations have revived memories of previous procurement disputes, including the controversial Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) deal, which similarly sparked public outrage and calls for accountability.
Governance advocates warn that repeated reliance on sole sourcing risks entrenching a culture of non-competitive contracting, potentially weakening institutional safeguards designed to protect public funds.
Calls For Accountability
Civil society organisations and policy analysts are now demanding further scrutiny of the contracts. Key questions being raised include whether all 81 contracts met the legal threshold for sole sourcing, whether due process was followed, and whether the country received value for money.
There are growing calls for Parliament, the Public Procurement Authority, and anti-corruption bodies to investigate the matter and provide clarity to the public.
A Defining Moment For The Administration
Beyond the technicalities of procurement law, the issue has evolved into a broader test of credibility for the Mahama administration.
At a time when Ghanaians are grappling with economic challenges and are being urged to accept fiscal discipline, the scale of the contracts has heightened public concern about transparency and governance.
However, as pressure builds, the government faces increasing demands to reconcile its past rhetoric with present actions—and to provide clear justification for what is now one of the most significant procurement controversies in recent times.
