Mahama 9-Kilometer Road Sole-Sourcing Contract Cost GH₵146 million – Suleimana Braimah
Concerns Deepen Over Mahama Sole-Sourcing Road Contract Costs and Procurement Practices
Fresh concerns are emerging over the cost and transparency of road contracts awarded under the administration of President John Dramani Mahama, as analysts and civil society groups call for a thorough investigation into potential irregularities. Observers argue that the situation could escalate into a major scandal if two key issues are confirmed:
- Possible conflict of interest – whether companies awarded contracts have close ties to government officials or their associates.
- Inflated contract sums – whether the cost of projects significantly exceeds market value for similar works.
Anti-corruption advocate Suleiman Braimah has been at the forefront of raising these concerns, particularly questioning whether Ghanaians are receiving value for money.
Case Study Raises Eyebrows On Sole-Sourcing Sum
One example cited is a road project involving the upgrading of the Apegusu–Mpaka–Fida road, awarded in November 2025.
- Project scope: Surface dressing (rehabilitation, not full construction)
- Length: 9 kilometres
- Contract sum: Approximately GH₵146 million
This translates to an estimated cost of about $1.4–$1.6 million per kilometer, a figure critics describe as unusually high for surface dressing works. The contract was awarded to a private firm, raising further questions about pricing benchmarks and procurement justification.
Maintenance Cost Sparks Debate
Even more striking, according to critics, is a separate allocation of GH₵35–37.5 million for the maintenance of the Department of Feeder Roads headquarters.
Analysts note that:
- The allocation is for maintenance, not new construction
- It appears to be a standalone provision, unlike other contracts
This has intensified scrutiny over how contract values are determined and approved.
Government Responds
Presidential staffer Shamima Muslim (referred to in the discussion) has pushed back against claims of wrongdoing, insisting there is no evidence of inflation in the contract sums. She maintains that allegations of inflated pricing remain unproven and should be treated cautiously unless backed by technical assessment.
Similarly, policy analyst Rex Omar (as referenced in commentary) argues that sole sourcing alone does not automatically constitute a scandal, though it raises legitimate concerns about procurement practices.
He emphasizes the need to:
- Strengthen regulatory frameworks
- Ensure stricter enforcement of procurement laws
Legal Context and Ongoing Debate
The NDC communication says Ghana’s procurement system is governed by the Public Procurement Act (2003), introduced during the administration of John Agyekum Kufuor. Experts note that while the law allows sole sourcing under specific conditions, its frequent use undermines competition and transparency. Despite the growing criticism, the government insists it remains committed to accountability.
Government Assurance
Officials say the administration will:
- Ensure value for money in infrastructure projects
- Address delays and inefficiencies in road delivery
- Continue reforms to improve procurement processes
While no formal findings of wrongdoing have been established, the scale of sole-sourced contracts and the rising cost of projects have triggered public concern.
Analysts say the next step should be an independent audit to determine:
- Whether contract values reflect market realities
- Whether procurement processes meet legal and ethical standards
The outcome of such scrutiny could shape public trust in the government’s infrastructure agenda moving forward.
Criticism Mounts Over Government’s Use of Sole Sourcing
Miracles Aboagye’s response to Madam Victoria, saying the administration of President John Dramani Mahama has betrayed public trust through what they describe as excessive reliance on sole-sourced contracts, particularly in the road sector.
According to Miracles, the government’s actions contradict its strong stance while in opposition, when it consistently condemned the overuse of sole sourcing and pledged to promote transparency and competitive bidding.
They argue that the current justification being offered by government representatives amounts to a redefinition of sole sourcing, rather than addressing the core issue.
“You are not here to explain what sole sourcing is to Ghanaians,” one critic stated. “The concern is simple—when nearly 75% of road projects are awarded through sole sourcing, that is not reform. That is abuse.”
The critics further described the situation as:
- Reckless use of public funds
- A clear abuse of procurement processes
- A betrayal of campaign promises made to the electorate
They also rejected government explanations as inadequate, insisting that past public statements by members of the ruling party should be revisited.
Calls have now been made for the public to review archival footage of press conferences and statements made by party officials while in opposition to compare their previous positions with current actions.
The debate continues to intensify as concerns grow over transparency, accountability, and value for money in public infrastructure spending.
