Africa-Press – Ghana. President John Dramani Mahama has assured Ghanaians that the Government will carry out investigations into concerns raised about the procurement processes in the implementation of its flagship infrastructure development programme, the Big Push.
He said concerns arising from investigations into procurement processes under the Big Push programme had led to steps to obtain full reports, assess allegations, and request responses from relevant ministries, alongside plans to amend the Public Procurement Act to limit single sourcing and promote transparency and value for money.
He noted that the establishment of an Independent Value for Money Office is being fast-tracked to ensure rigorous review of procurement decisions, with an emphasis on reducing reliance on single sourcing and consulting stakeholders on proposed legislative changes.
The President said this during his engagement with civil society organizations (CSOs) at the Presidency in Accra.
The engagement is framed as a practical dialogue meant to listen to viewpoints, share ideas on national priorities, and deepen collaboration between government and civil society, with the presence of ministers and senior officials ensuring that the interaction leads to meaningful outcomes.
Similar ones had already been organized by the Presidency for organized labour and private enterprises.
The President said economic policies such as the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme were being implemented to expand job opportunities for young people, support small and medium enterprises, and promote export-led growth, while addressing cost of living pressures, inequality, and social protection needs.
He said social sector interventions include strengthening the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, expanding access to healthcare, and introducing apprenticeship programmes to equip young people with skills for employment.
He said the Free Primary Healthcare Programme was set to be launched on 15th April, aimed at removing financial barriers to basic healthcare, improving access at the community level, and promoting preventive care, with civil society expected to support education, monitoring, and feedback.
On human rights and inclusion, the President said there was a commitment to uphold dignity and equality while acknowledging ongoing debates around rights and social cohesion, including discussions on LGBTQ+ issues, which were being addressed through democratic processes, dialogue, and adherence to constitutional principles.
He said the LGBTQ+ Bill before Parliament was identified as a Private Member’s Bill undergoing national discussion, with outcomes expected to reflect the will of the people through parliamentary deliberations, while balancing constitutional obligations and social values.
President Mahama said environmental protection efforts include intensified action against illegal mining, promotion of sustainable land and water use, and strengthening environmental governance, with a call for collaboration to safeguard natural resources for future generations.
He said civil society was recognized as a partner in nation-building rather than an adversary, with a commitment to maintaining open engagement, institutionalize regular dialogue platforms, and ensure that diverse perspectives inform policymaking.
He said the passage of the Governance Advisory Bill is noted as a step toward participatory governance, creating a formal structure for continuous citizen and stakeholder input into decision-making processes.
On the international stage, the President said Ghana continues to advocate justice, including recognition of the transatlantic slave trade as a grave crime against humanity, while engaging in broader discussions on global accountability and reform of international systems.
He said within the sub-region, commitment remains to regional integration, democratic governance, and peace and security through engagement within ECOWAS, while responding to evolving dynamics such as the emergence of the Alliance of Sahelian States.
“At the continental level, active participation in the African Union continues with a focus on Agenda 2063, peace and security, and strengthening Africa’s role in global affairs,” he said.
President Mahama said the dialogue was intended to continue beyond the session through structured follow-ups, monitoring systems, and sustained collaboration, with a shared goal of building a fairer, more inclusive, and prosperous Ghana through collective effort and continuous engagement.
