Sole-Source Contracts Saga: Public procurement act needs amendment - NPP's Maxwell Aburiya

A member of the Upper East Regional Communications Team of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Maxwell Aburiya, has called for a review of Ghana’s public procurement framework, urging Parliament to reconsider provisions that allow sole sourcing.

Aburiya, who also serves as the Bolgatanga Central Constituency Organizer, made the call during an appearance on Bluewaves Radio 93.7 FM.

He expressed concern over recent media reports often referred to as the fourth estate regarding the awarding of road contracts through sole sourcing.

According to him, the Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663), should be amended to remove or significantly restrict sole sourcing in order to prevent its abuse by both current and future governments.

While acknowledging that sole sourcing is not inherently wrong, Aburiya argued that its current application raises serious concerns about transparency and accountability.

He criticised the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government, alleging that the manner in which the practice is being implemented amounts to a misuse of state resources for partisan benefit.

“Sole sourcing is not bad, but the way it is being done is very worrying. We need to have a national conversation about it,” he stated.

Aburiya further raised concerns about the deteriorating condition of roads in the Upper East Region, questioning the government’s commitment to the development needs of the area.

His remarks add to the growing public discourse on procurement practices in Ghana, particularly in the infrastructure sector, where issues of transparency and value for money remain central to national development.

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