The Ministry of Roads and Highways has announced that the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has completed its investigations into alleged bribery and corruption within the ministry.
This development follows a petition from the Ministry to EOCO regarding claims made by former Rector of the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), Prof. Stephen Adei. Prof. Adei had alleged that bribes determined who was awarded road contracts.
In a press release dated April 12, 2024, the Roads and Highways Ministry stated that the investigations had cleared it of any wrongdoing. The Ministry also noted that the allegations were a broad generalization of perceived corruption in the country.
“EOCO has determined that ‘from the totality of the available information to the office, Prof. Stephen Adei’s comments were found to be unfortunate and general within the context of perceived corruption in the country’.
“EOCO, therefore, concludes that the matter is disposed of as unsubstantiated and highly presumptuous,” the statement read.
In October 2023, Prof. Adei expressed concern about corruption in the awarding of road contracts, claiming that individuals seeking contracts were told they must pay 1 million upfront to secure them.
The Ministry of Roads and Highways responded to these allegations by calling them surprising and asserting that the process for awarding road contracts is transparent, competitive, and adheres to legal procedures. They requested an investigation by EOCO into the matter.
In support of the Ministry’s position, a group of road contractors in Ghana denied Prof. Adei’s claims, stating that they had never encountered such a demand for an upfront payment of GH¢1 million. They emphasized that the awarding of contracts is well-documented and transparent, making it difficult for corrupt practices to occur.
The Roads and Highways Ministry expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the investigation. They reassured the public of their commitment to transparency and due process in awarding contracts.
The Ministry assured the public of its commitment to transparency and due process in the award of contracts.
We know who is in charge over there and how and why. This outcome was expected very few will think otherwise.