Management consultant and procurement specialist Kobina Atta-Bedu has criticised government procurement practices, particularly the use of sole-sourced contracts under the “Big Push” infrastructure initiative.
Speaking during a panel discussion on public procurement, Atta-Bedu questioned the growing reliance on non-competitive contract awards, describing it as inconsistent with assurances previously given about transparency and fairness in public spending.
At the centre of his concerns is what he describes as a disconnect between policy commitments and actual implementation. He argued that regardless of the scale, the use of sole sourcing undermines accountability and should not be justified.
He also criticised the role of the Public Procurement Authority, accusing it of misapplying provisions of the Public Procurement Act, particularly Section 41B. The provision allows for expedited procurement processes in emergency situations, but Atta-Bedi maintained that its recent application does not meet the required criteria.
According to him, international best practices—such as those outlined in emergency procurement frameworks used globally—permit faster processes but still require competition, rather than the direct selection of contractors.
Drawing on his own experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, Atta-Bedu highlighted how urgent procurement can be conducted efficiently without abandoning competitive principles. He cited the successful delivery of a 100-bed medical facility under tight timelines, achieved through accelerated but transparent tendering processes.
He contrasted this with concerns over rising costs in some recent infrastructure projects, including those under the widely discussed Agenda 111 programme, questioning the value for money being achieved.
Atta-Bedu emphasised that urgency should not come at the expense of transparency, insisting that competitive procurement remains possible even under pressing conditions. He called on authorities to align public procurement practices with established international standards to ensure fairness, efficiency, and accountability in the use of public funds.
His remarks add to ongoing public debate over how government contracts are awarded, particularly in large-scale development initiatives, and renew calls for stricter adherence to due process in public procurement.
