The Ministry of Roads and Highways in Ghana has announced that the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has completed its investigations into alleged bribery and corruption within the ministry.
The investigation was prompted by claims made by the former Rector of the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), Prof. Stephen Adei, who alleged that bribes were a determining factor in who gets awarded road contracts.
In a press release dated April 12, 2024, the Roads and Highways Ministry stated that EOCO’s findings exonerated the ministry, with the allegations being described as a generalization of perceived corruption in the country.
According to the statement, EOCO concluded that Prof. Stephen Adei’s comments were “unfortunate and general within the context of perceived corruption in the country,” and the matter was deemed “unsubstantiated and highly presumptuous.”
Prof. Adei had previously expressed concerns about corruption in the awarding of road contracts, claiming that individuals seeking contracts were expected to pay a bribe upfront to secure the deal.
However, the Ministry of Roads and Highways maintained that the processes for awarding road contracts were transparent, competitive, and in compliance with legal procedures. The ministry also called for EOCO to investigate the allegations.
Road contractors in Ghana also refuted Prof. Adei’s claims, stating that they had never encountered demands for upfront payments of GH¢1 million. They emphasized the transparency and documented processes involved in contract allocation, which they believed mitigated the risk of corrupt practices.
The Roads and Highways Ministry expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the investigation and reassured the public of its commitment to transparency and due process in the awarding of contracts.
