The Auditor-General’s Office has officially withdrawn a significant error contained in its nationwide payroll audit report, acknowledging that it mistakenly attributed an amount of GH¢427,995,661.40 in unearned salaries to a single public servant, Frank Oliver Kpodo.
The Member of Parliament for Old Tafo, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, has raised concerns over what he describes as the growing use of sole sourcing by the National Pensions Regulatory Authority (NPRA), warning that the trend could undermine transparency, accountability, and value for money in public procurement.
Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, April 19, the legislator highlighted a number of high-value transactions he claims were executed without competitive bidding, including a GH¢4.2 million consultancy contract and a vehicle procurement deal exceeding GH¢17 million and $160,000.
Mr Assafuah questioned the rationale behind engaging an external consultant at an estimated monthly cost of GH¢175,000, arguing that such an arrangement may duplicate roles already existing within the Authority.
He suggested that the decision raises critical questions about:
According to him, public institutions like the NPRA are expected to maximise in-house capacity before resorting to costly external engagements.
The MP also drew attention to procurement records indicating that several vehicles were acquired by the Authority in 2025 under sole sourcing arrangements.
He further alleged that one of the vehicles is reportedly registered under a company linked to the supplier, raising concerns about:
He argued that such developments warrant closer scrutiny to ensure adherence to due process and safeguard public resources.
While acknowledging that sole sourcing is permitted under Ghana’s procurement laws in specific circumstances—such as urgency or limited supplier availability—Mr Assafuah cautioned against its frequent use for major contracts.
“Sole sourcing is meant for urgency and necessity, not convenience and favouritism,” he stated.
He warned that repeated reliance on sole sourcing without clear and justifiable reasons could erode public trust, particularly in an institution responsible for overseeing pension funds.
The concerns raised highlight ongoing debates around procurement practices within public institutions in Ghana, especially regarding:
Analysts note that issues surrounding procurement integrity are particularly sensitive in agencies like the NPRA, given their role in safeguarding long-term financial security for workers.
Mr Assafuah is calling for increased scrutiny of the Authority’s procurement processes and greater transparency in future transactions.
The NPRA is yet to publicly respond to the allegations, but the issue is expected to generate further discussion among policymakers, civil society organisations, and oversight bodies in the coming weeks.
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The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, has strongly criticised the previous administration led by Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, accusing it of leaving behind a weak and under-resourced local governance system.
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Dr. David Tetteh has been elected and sworn in as a member of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the NDC Professionals Forum, in a development widely interpreted as a move to enhance the Forum’s technical strength and policy direction.
Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has renewed calls for increased African representation on the United Nations Security Council, warning that the continent’s continued marginalization undermines both the credibility and effectiveness of the global body.
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President John Dramani Mahama has unveiled a strategic plan to establish five maize processing plants across Ghana, a major intervention aimed at reducing post-harvest losses and strengthening the country’s agricultural value chain.
The Ministry of Food and Agriculture has clarified that the appointment of Okyeame Kwame as an Ambassador for the Feed Ghana initiative is entirely voluntary and not tied to any financial compensation from the state.
The National Service Authority (NSA) has announced a significant reduction in its annual payroll, cutting it from approximately GH₵1.6 billion to about GH₵700 million after implementing stricter verification systems to eliminate ghost names. The move forms part of broader reforms aimed at improving transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the management of public funds.
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President John Mahama has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to maintaining inflation within single-digit levels, following a significant decline in the rate to 3.2 per cent. The President emphasized that this milestone is part of a broader economic strategy aimed at stabilising the country through disciplined fiscal management, responsible spending, and prudent financial policies designed to restore confidence in Ghana’s economy.
The Ministry of Food and Agriculture has clarified that the appointment of celebrated Ghanaian musician Okyeame Kwame as an ambassador for the Feed Ghana initiative is purely voluntary and does not involve any form of state payment.
Nana Ama Browne Klutse, Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Authority, has been elected Global President of the NDC Professionals Forum, securing an overwhelming 91% endorsement at the forum’s 6th Annual Summit held in Accra.
Concerns are being raised over alleged unfair treatment and politicization within the promotion processes of the Ghana Police Service, with some stakeholders urging transparency and accountability in decisions affecting senior officers.
The Managing Director of Ghana Water Limited (GWL), Adam Mutawakilu, has called for stronger collaboration with the Ghana Armed Forces as part of efforts to safeguard the country’s water resources and critical infrastructure.
