Member of Parliament for Akyem Oda and Deputy Minister of Health, Alexander Akwasi Acquah, has weighed in on the growing controversy surrounding sole-sourced contracts under the government’s “Big Push” infrastructure initiative, cautioning that the procurement method—though legal—could become a breeding ground for corruption if not tightly regulated.
His remarks come amid renewed public debate over the award of several contracts through sole sourcing, a process that allows government entities to engage a single contractor without competitive bidding under specific circumstances.
According to the lawmaker, sole sourcing in itself is not inherently problematic and is permitted under Ghana’s procurement laws.
However, he stressed that without adequate safeguards, the system could easily be abused.
“Sole sourcing, which may not entirely be an affront to our laws, if not checked, could be a conduit for corruption,” he noted, urging policymakers to take decisive steps to improve accountability in public procurement.
Mr. Acquah called for enhanced transparency measures, including the detailed reporting and public disclosure of all sole-sourced contracts.
He emphasized that such disclosures should clearly outline the justification for bypassing competitive tendering, as well as the expected benefits of the contracts.
He further proposed the establishment of an independent oversight body to review and approve all sole-source procurements before they are finalized.
In this regard, he highlighted the importance of the recently passed Value for Money Office Bill, which he believes could play a critical role in strengthening procurement oversight.
The Deputy Health Minister also advocated for stricter legal definitions governing when sole sourcing can be applied.
He suggested that the method should be limited to clearly defined situations such as emergencies or cases where only a single supplier is capable of delivering the required service.
Additionally, he encouraged government agencies to explore competitive procurement options wherever possible, even if it requires breaking down large contracts into smaller components or considering alternative solutions.
Beyond policy reforms, Mr. Acquah stressed the need for continuous training of procurement officers to enhance their expertise in procurement strategies and risk management.
He believes that building institutional capacity is key to minimizing irregularities and ensuring value for money in public spending.
The MP maintained that while sole sourcing offers flexibility in urgent or specialized situations, it must be balanced with strong anti-corruption safeguards.
“These measures can help mitigate corruption risks while allowing for flexibility when necessary,” he stated.
The ongoing discussions around sole sourcing and procurement reforms are expected to intensify as stakeholders seek to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of public funds, particularly under large-scale government projects like the “Big Push.”
By 1960news.com
