Accra, April 8, – The Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE) has called on the Auditor-General to conduct an independent and comprehensive technical audit of road projects being executed under the Government’s flagship “Big Push” infrastructure initiative.
The Institution said its request was prompted by growing public concern over procurement methods and project execution within the programme.
In a statement copied to the press in Accra on Wednesday, GhIE referenced recent investigative findings by The Fourth Estate, which pointed to the widespread use of single-source procurement and restricted tendering in contracts awarded by the Ministry of Roads and Highways.
According to the statement, the revelations have sparked nationwide debate and raised questions about transparency, value for money, and compliance with procurement laws and engineering standards.
From a professional engineering perspective, the Institution noted that the scale of the investment—estimated at GHS110 billion, with about GHS85 billion already committed—required strict and independent scrutiny.
GhIE stressed that such substantial public expenditure must undergo a credible audit process to protect national interest, ensure quality infrastructure delivery, and guarantee that public funds yield measurable benefits.
While acknowledging a directive by President John Dramani Mahama for the Roads and Highways Minister to respond to the concerns, the Institution maintained that an independent audit by the Auditor-General remained essential to provide objective findings and rebuild public trust.
It explained that its call aligns with Section 16 of the Audit Service Act, 2000 (Act 584), which empowers the Auditor-General to conduct special audits in the public interest and report to Parliament.
GhIE further emphasised that any audit should go beyond procurement issues to examine the entire project lifecycle, including feasibility studies, engineering designs, procurement procedures, environmental and social safeguards, as well as implementation.
The statement warned that lapses at any stage could affect project costs, quality, and long-term sustainability.
The Institution also pointed to existing legal frameworks governing public investments, noting that the Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663) prescribes competitive tendering as the standard approach, with alternative methods permitted only under exceptional conditions.
It added that the Public Investment Management Regulations, 2020 (LI 2411) require proper feasibility assessments and the inclusion of projects in an approved Public Investment Plan before execution.
According to GhIE, strict adherence to these regulations is critical to ensuring transparency, fairness, and efficient use of public resources, cautioning that any breaches could erode public confidence and weaken accountability.
The Institution clarified that its position was not intended to assign blame but to promote best practices, identify systemic weaknesses, and strengthen infrastructure delivery in the country.
It expressed readiness to support the Auditor-General with technical expertise to ensure a thorough and credible audit process.
The statement noted that the call has already generated considerable 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,” it said.
GHBUSS
April 8, 2026
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