Accra, March 31, – President John Dramani Mahama has assured Ghanaians that Government will investigate concerns raised about procurement processes under the implementation of its flagship infrastructure programme, the Big Push.
He said concerns arising from reviews of procurement processes had led to steps to obtain full reports, assess the allegations, and request responses from relevant ministries, alongside plans to amend the Public Procurement Act to limit single sourcing and promote transparency and value for money.
President Mahama said the establishment of an Independent Value for Money Office was being fast-tracked to ensure rigorous review of procurement decisions, with an emphasis on reducing reliance on single sourcing and consulting stakeholders on proposed legislative changes.
The President gave the assurance during an engagement with civil society organisations (CSOs) at the Presidency in Accra.
The engagement formed part of a broader dialogue to listen to viewpoints, share ideas on national priorities, and deepen collaboration between Government and civil society, with ministers and senior officials present to ensure that discussions translate into action. Similar engagements have already been held with organised labour and private sector representatives.
President Mahama said economic policies such as the 24-Hour Economy and the Accelerated Export Development Programme were being implemented to expand job opportunities for young people, support small and medium enterprises, and promote export-led growth, while addressing cost-of-living pressures, inequality, and social protection needs.
He said social sector interventions included strengthening the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, expanding access to healthcare, and introducing apprenticeship programmes to equip young people with employable skills.
He announced that the Free Primary Healthcare Programme would be launched on April 15 to remove financial barriers to basic healthcare, improve access at the community level, and promote preventive care, with civil society expected to support public education, monitoring, and feedback.
On human rights and inclusion, the President reaffirmed Government’s commitment to dignity and equality, while acknowledging ongoing national debates on rights and social cohesion, including discussions on LGBTQ+ issues, which he said were being addressed through democratic processes and constitutional principles.
He noted that the LGBTQ+ Bill before Parliament remained a Private Member’s Bill undergoing national consultation and parliamentary consideration.
On environmental protection, President Mahama said Government was intensifying the fight against illegal mining, promoting sustainable land and water use, and strengthening environmental governance, and called for collaboration to safeguard natural resources.
He described civil society as a partner in national development and said Government would institutionalise regular dialogue platforms to ensure that diverse perspectives inform policymaking.
The President also noted the passage of the Governance Advisory Bill as a step toward participatory governance, creating a formal structure for continuous citizen and stakeholder input into decision-making.
On the international front, he said Ghana would continue to advocate global justice, including recognition of the transatlantic slave trade as a crime against humanity, while contributing to reforms in international systems.
Within the sub-region, he reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to regional integration, democratic governance, and peace and security through ECOWAS, while responding to emerging regional dynamics such as the Alliance of Sahelian States.
“At the continental level, active participation in the African Union continues with a focus on Agenda 2063, peace and security, and strengthening Africa’s role in global affairs,” he said.
President Mahama said the engagement with civil society would continue through structured follow-ups, monitoring systems, and sustained collaboration aimed at building a more inclusive and prosperous nation.
GHBUSS
March 31, 2026
No comments:
Post a Comment