We still stand by what we said about sole sourcing – Suhuyini

Alhassan Suhuyini Defends NDC’s Position on Sole-Sourced Contracts, Dismisses “Big Push” Scandal Claims

Deputy Minister of Roads and Highways, Alhassan Suhuyini, has reaffirmed that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) remains consistent in its long-held criticism of sole-sourced contracts, emphasizing that the party still believes such procurement practices can lead to inflated costs and compromised project quality.

Speaking on The Key Points on TV3 Ghana on Saturday, March 28, 2026, Suhuyini addressed concerns raised in a recent investigative report by The Fourth Estate regarding the government’s infrastructure initiative known as the “Big Push.”

NDC Maintains Its Stance on Sole Sourcing

According to Suhuyini, the NDC has not shifted its position on sole sourcing since its time in opposition. He reiterated that the party previously criticized the overuse of sole-sourced contracts by the former administration, arguing that such practices contributed to inflated contract sums and negatively impacted the quality of public infrastructure projects.

“What we said about sole sourcing, we still stand by it,” he stated. “We said it was being used excessively and leading to inflated contracts, which ultimately affects the quality of work.”

He stressed that the NDC’s current position in government does not invalidate its earlier criticisms, but rather reflects a continued concern about ensuring value for money and transparency in public procurement processes.

Reaction to “Big Push” Investigation

Suhuyini also addressed the investigative documentary published by The Fourth Estate, which examined contracts awarded under the government’s “Big Push” infrastructure program. Contrary to expectations generated ahead of the report’s release, he dismissed claims that the findings revealed any wrongdoing.

“I was eagerly awaiting what the scandal was with the Big Push,” he said. “They advertised a scandal, and we were waiting for it, but after reading and watching the documentary, I did not find anything scandalous.”

The Deputy Minister explained that his ministry had fully cooperated with the investigative journalists, providing all requested information in line with legal requirements. He added that the ministry had already begun proactively publishing contract details on its official platforms prior to the report.

Transparency and Public Accountability

Highlighting the government’s commitment to transparency, Suhuyini noted that there was no attempt to conceal information regarding the contracts under scrutiny. Instead, he argued that the openness demonstrated by the ministry should reinforce public confidence in the procurement process.

“We responded promptly without any qualms, as the law requires,” he explained. “Even before their request, we had started uploading this information on our website.”

“Not a Scandal, But a Debate on Consistency”

Suhuyini took issue with the framing of the documentary, suggesting that it blurred the line between political criticism and actual wrongdoing. He argued that while observers may point to inconsistencies between past and present positions, such differences do not automatically constitute a scandal.

“My disappointment was that the publication suggested that if you criticised something in the past and are seen to be doing it, then it is scandalous,” he said. “At best, you can describe that as a double standard or hypocrisy—but that is not a scandal.”

Broader Context: Procurement Practices in Ghana

The debate over sole sourcing remains a contentious issue in Ghana’s public procurement space. Critics argue that non-competitive contract awards can reduce transparency and increase the risk of inflated costs, while government officials often defend the practice as necessary in certain urgent or specialized situations.

The discussion sparked by The Fourth Estate’s report highlights ongoing public interest in how infrastructure projects are financed and executed, particularly under major national initiatives like the Big Push, which aims to accelerate road development and improve connectivity across the country.

Looking Ahead

As scrutiny of government spending continues, Suhuyini’s remarks signal the administration’s readiness to defend its procurement decisions while maintaining its broader stance on accountability. The conversation also underscores the critical role of investigative journalism and public debate in shaping governance and policy direction in Ghana.