EOCO To Probe Alleged Corruption In Road Contracts

The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) is set to look into allegations of corruption and bribery at the Ministry of Roads and Highways after its instigation by the sector Minister, Kwasi Amoako Atta.

In a statement, the Minister said he had requested the investigative body to initiate a probe into the allegations as it borders on the “commission of crime against the Republic”.

The request, he said, was forwarded on Monday, October 23, 2023.

This comes after a former Rector of the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), Prof Stephen Adei said he was privy to information that road contract award is marred with corruption and bribery.

Speaking in an interview last week, he claimed persons seeking road contracts are told: “Road contracts will be given to you, provided you pay 1 million upfront….”

In reaction to this, the Minister expressed his surprise and noted the Ministry would fully cooperate with the investigative body.

“These allegations are surprising at the least because the processes leading to the award of road contracts are open, transparent, competitive and in accordance with the law.”

“The Ministry wishes to assure the public that it shall cooperate fully and support EOCO in the conduct of its investigation.”