Concerns over transparency in public procurement have resurfaced following fresh revelations about the widespread use of sole-sourcing in road contracts, prompting calls for greater accountability from government institutions.
An investigative report by The Fourth Estate revealed that a significant number of road contracts were awarded without competitive bidding, reigniting public debate on procurement practices.
Commenting on the development, political analyst John Osae-Kwapong stressed that the core issue was not the legality of sole-sourcing, but the lack of transparency surrounding its use.
He noted that successive governments, led by both the National Democratic Congress and the New Patriotic Party, had relied on the method while simultaneously criticising it in opposition.
According to him, this pattern has shifted focus away from reforms and instead fuelled political disagreements that do little to strengthen accountability systems.
Dr Osae-Kwapong urged public officials to adopt a more transparent approach by clearly documenting and disclosing the specific reasons behind sole-sourced contracts, rather than waiting for such decisions to be exposed through investigations.
He explained that proactive disclosure, backed by detailed justification, would help build public confidence and improve oversight in the procurement process.
The latest findings have renewed pressure on authorities, including the Ministry of Roads and Highways, to ensure that procurement decisions are not only lawful but also transparent and subject to public scrutiny.
