Omanghana
Ghana’s Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, has warned contractors and members of the public against individuals claiming they can sell or facilitate the award of road contracts under the government’s Big Push Infrastructure Program.
In a firm statement shared on social media, including X, the minister stressed that contracts connected to the flagship infrastructure initiative are not for sale. He urged anyone approached by individuals demanding money in exchange for access to a Big Push project to report the matter immediately to the nearest police station.
“BIG PUSH projects NOT FOR SALE. Report ANYONE offering a ‘Big Push project’ for sale to the nearest police station,” Agbodza stated.
The warning follows reports that unscrupulous individuals and organized syndicates have been targeting contractors with false promises of securing lucrative government road projects. The alleged fraudsters reportedly demand fees or financial kickbacks while claiming to have influence over the contract-awarding process.
The Roads and Highways Ministry has reiterated that contracts under the program are awarded through officially approved procurement procedures. It said prospective contractors must follow established legal and regulatory processes, stressing that no individual has the authority to privately sell, negotiate or guarantee the award of a government project.
The ministry’s intervention is intended to protect contractors from fraud while safeguarding the credibility of the Big Push program. It also reinforces the government’s commitment to transparency, accountability and due process in the allocation of public infrastructure contracts.
The warning comes as the government continues to roll out major road projects under the initiative. The Big Push Infrastructure Program was introduced to accelerate the construction and rehabilitation of strategic transport networks, improve connectivity across the country and address outstanding obligations owed to road contractors.
According to the ministry, road projects valued at about $5 billion have been awarded under the program. The projects are expected to be financed largely through domestic resource mobilization, reducing the government’s dependence on traditional foreign borrowing.
Authorities have advised contractors to verify all information directly with the Ministry of Roads and Highways and other authorized state institutions before making payments or entering into agreements relating to government projects.
The public has also been encouraged to preserve messages, payment requests and other evidence received from suspected fraudsters to assist the police with investigations.
Source: Omanghana
