The Ghana Institution of Engineering has formally petitioned the Auditor-General to conduct an independent and comprehensive technical audit of road projects being executed under the government’s flagship “Big Push” infrastructure programme.
The Institution said its call was prompted by growing public concern over procurement processes and the delivery of projects within the programme.
In a statement issued in Accra on Wednesday, GhIE noted, “This intervention follows recent investigative reports by ‘The Fourth Estate’, which revealed the extensive use of Single Source Procurement and Restricted Tendering in the award of contracts under the Ministry of Roads and Highways.
“These revelations have ignited national debate and raised serious concerns about value for money, transparency, and adherence to established procurement laws and engineering standards.”
From a professional engineering perspective, GhIE described the scale of investment, estimated at GHS 110 billion, with about GHS 85 billion already committed to ongoing projects, as too substantial to proceed without strict and independent scrutiny.
The Institution stressed that such unprecedented public expenditure must be subjected to a credible audit process to protect the national interest, ensure that infrastructure delivery meets required standards, and guarantee that every cedi invested yields measurable value and tangible benefits for citizens.
“While acknowledging the directive by His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama for the Minister for Roads and Highways to respond to the allegations, GhIE emphasizes that the gravity of the issues raised requires an independent audit by the Auditor-General to provide objective findings and restore public confidence.
“This request is grounded in Section 16 of the Audit Service Act, 2000 (Act 584), which empowers the Auditor-General to undertake special audits in the public interest and report to Parliament.
“GhIE considers this mandate critical at this juncture to reinforce accountability and institutional credibility.”
The Institution further indicated that the proposed audit should not be limited to procurement alone but must examine the entire lifecycle of the projects, including feasibility studies, engineering design, procurement processes, environmental and social compliance, and implementation, noting that lapses at any stage could affect cost, quality, and long term sustainability.
GhIE also pointed out that Ghana’s legal framework designates competitive tendering as the standard procurement method under the Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663), with alternative approaches allowed only under exceptional conditions. It added that the Public Investment Management Regulations, 2020 (LI 2411) require proper feasibility assessments and inclusion of projects in an approved Public Investment Plan before execution.
“The Institution emphasises that adherence to these provisions is essential to ensuring transparency, fairness, and the efficient use of public resources, noting that any deviation risks undermining public trust, weakening accountability, and ultimately compromising value for money in national infrastructure investments.”
GhIE clarified that its call is not intended to assign blame but to establish clear standards for public project execution, identify systemic gaps, and strengthen infrastructure delivery across the country.
“The Institution stands ready to support the Auditor-General with technical expertise to ensure a credible and comprehensive audit process, noting that this call has already attracted significant public interest following its announcement at a recent national induction ceremony for engineers.
“At a time of significant national investment, GhIE urges swift and decisive action to ensure transparency, accountability, and value for money in the delivery of these critical projects.”
