The Minority in Ghana’s Parliament has formally petitioned multiple state investigative bodies to probe a controversial contract awarded for the renovation of the old Bank of Ghana office, raising concerns about possible breaches of public procurement regulations and the risk of financial loss to the state. The petitions were submitted to the Office of the Special Prosecutor, the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), and the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service, all of which are mandated to investigate corruption, administrative injustices, and potential criminal conduct in public transactions.
According to the Minority caucus, the contract—reportedly awarded by the Ghana Gold Board to Deputy Chief of Staff Stan Dogbe—may have been executed without strict adherence to established procurement procedures. The group alleges that there could have been irregularities in the award process, including the possible use of sole sourcing without adequate justification, which would be in violation of Ghana’s public procurement laws designed to ensure transparency, competitiveness, and value for money in government contracts.
Addressing journalists on Tuesday, March 24, the Member of Parliament for Odotobri, Anthony Mmieh, explained that the purpose of the petitions is to trigger a thorough and independent investigation into how the contract was awarded and whether all legal requirements were satisfied. He emphasized that the Minority is not making final accusations but is instead calling for due process to determine whether any wrongdoing occurred in the procurement process.
Mmieh stressed that procurement regulations must be strictly followed in all government contracts, particularly in cases involving public funds. He noted that if investigations establish that the contract was awarded without proper documentation, or that sole sourcing was used without appropriate justification, then the agreement should be considered invalid and subject to termination. He further argued that adherence to due process is essential to prevent abuse of office and to protect the financial interests of the state.
The Minority has also raised concerns that the contract could potentially result in financial loss to the government if irregularities are confirmed. According to them, failure to comply with procurement laws not only undermines transparency but also exposes the state to inefficient use of public resources. They insist that any breach identified should be addressed through appropriate legal and administrative measures, including possible cancellation of the contract and sanctions against responsible parties.
Mmieh disclosed that all three investigative bodies—the Office of the Special Prosecutor, CHRAJ, and the CID—have acknowledged receipt of the petitions. He expressed confidence that the agencies would act promptly in line with their respective mandates. The Minority expects that investigations will commence without delay and that findings will be communicated within a reasonable timeframe.
He further indicated that the Minority anticipates preliminary investigations to begin immediately, noting that public discussions and available information surrounding the contract could facilitate the process. According to him, the widespread nature of the concerns raised means that investigators are likely to have sufficient leads to conduct a comprehensive review of the transaction. He also expressed hope that the investigations would be concluded within a short period, referencing an expected timeline of about 14 days for initial outcomes.
Beyond the specifics of the case, the Minority caucus underscored the broader importance of accountability, transparency, and strict compliance with procurement laws in the management of public contracts. They argue that robust oversight mechanisms are critical to safeguarding public funds, preventing corruption, and maintaining public confidence in governance institutions. In their view, ensuring that all government contracts undergo proper scrutiny is essential for promoting good governance and upholding the rule of law.
The outcome of the investigations by the respective agencies is expected to clarify whether the contract was awarded in accordance with legal and administrative requirements, and whether any corrective action will be necessary. For now, the Minority maintains that its actions are aimed at protecting public resources and ensuring that government contracting processes remain transparent, lawful, and accountable to the Ghanaian public.
