EOCO concludes probe into allegations of corruption in road contract awards

The Ministry of Roads and Highways has announced that the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has completed its investigation into allegations of bribery and corruption within the ministry.

The inquiry was initiated following a petition from the ministry regarding assertions made by former Rector of the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), Prof. Stephen Adei, regarding the influence of bribes in determining the allocation of road contracts.

In a press release issued on April 12, 2024, the Roads and Highways Ministry stated that EOCO's investigation found no evidence to substantiate the allegations, characterizing them as a broad reflection of perceived corruption in the country.

According to the statement, EOCO concluded that Prof. Stephen Adei's remarks were unfortunate and generalized within the broader context of perceived corruption in the nation, deeming the matter unsubstantiated and speculative.

Prof. Adei had voiced concerns about corruption in road contract awards during an interview in October 2023, alleging that individuals seeking such contracts were required to make upfront payments of 1 million Ghanaian cedis.

However, the ministry had refuted these claims, emphasizing the transparency, competitiveness, and adherence to legal procedures in the contract award processes. They had urged EOCO to investigate the matter further.

Furthermore, a coalition of road contractors in Ghana refuted Prof. Adei's assertions, stating that they had never encountered such demands for upfront payments.

While endorsing the call for EOCO's intervention, the contractors reiterated that the contract awarding procedures are well-documented and transparent, minimizing the likelihood of corrupt practices.

The Roads and Highways Ministry expressed satisfaction with the investigation's outcome and reaffirmed its commitment to upholding transparency and due process in contract awards.