EOCO Finds No Wrongdoing Against Roads Ministry In Awarding Contracts

The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has found no organised crime against the Ministry of Roads and Highways in the award of contracts.

This follows the conclusion of an investigation into allegations of demands of bribe by offcials of the ministry before contracts are awarded.

The probe stemmed from claims made by Professor Stephen Adei, a former Rector of the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA).

In October 2023, Professor Adei publicly expressed concern about corruption in the awarding of road contracts. He alleged that individuals seeking contracts were told they must pay a bribe of one million cedis upfront.

The Ministry of Roads and Highways denied these accusations, insisting their procedures for awarding contracts are transparent, competitive, and adhere to legal requirements. They subsequently requested EOCO to investigate the matter.

According to a confidential report on the investigation obtained by Graphic Online, EOCO found Professor Adei’s comments to be “unsubstantiated and highly presumptuous.” The report suggests Professor Adei’s claims were an oversimplification of the Ministry’s tender process and potentially influenced by a broader perception of corruption in the country, as referenced in a 2022 UNODC report.

The EOCO report further states that while Professor Adei cited a friend who mentioned the alleged bribery requirement, he could not provide a name or any specific evidence to support his claims. He also acknowledged that his use of the Ministry of Roads and Highways was for illustrative purposes only.

Following this, EOCO closed the case, deeming the allegations unsubstantiated.

In a press release issued on 12 April 2024, the Ministry of Roads and Highways welcomed the investigation’s outcome.

They stated that EOCO concluded Professor Adei’s comments were “unfortunate and general” and that the matter is now “disposed of.”
The Ministry reiterated its commitment to transparency and due process in awarding contracts.