Road Contractors Debunk Corruption Allegations
A group of Ghanaian road contractors have jointly dismissed allegations that the sector is bedevilled with corruption and bribery in the award of contracts.
In a statement, the contractors said they were astonished by the allegation.
Contrary to the allegation, they testified that the sector Minister, Kwasi Amoako Atta has led the Ministry with “candour and professionalism”.
“He has brought discipline to the road construction sector and has deliberately built the capacity of local contractors to meet international standards for the purpose of relying on local capacity and ensuring true independence,” they added.
The group is determined to avail itself for investigations by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) as requested by the sector Minister, Kwasi Amoako Atta.
“We, as part of the community of Road Contractors, shall support the work of any investigative body to bring closure to these allegations. We shall therefore standby to assist EOCO if and when invited.”
The contractors include First Sky Ltd, Maripoma Ent Ltd, Justimoh Construction Ltd, Resource Access Ltd, Kasmo Co Ltd, Oswald Investment Ltd, Ussuya Gh Ltd., Volta Impex Ltd and Limerica Gh Ltd.
The rest are Doncross Ltd, Joshop Gh Ltd, General Construction Ltd, Hardwick Ltd, Kofi Job Construction, Menphis Construction Ltd, Mawums Ltd, Kingspock Ltd, Kingdowsco Co Ltd, Nagfairmont Gh Ltd and New Modern World Ltd.
Background
In an interview last week, 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.
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 he had requested investigative body EOCO to initiate a probe into the allegations as it borders on the “commission of crime against the Republic”.
“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.”
