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Presidency releases 72-page report on 'Big Push' road contracts, refutes procurement irregularity claims
via GhanaWeb4 min read
The Presidency has released a 72-page report investigating allegations of procurement irregularities at the Ministry of Roads and Highways. The report, commissioned by President John Dramani Mahama following reports from the Fourth Estate and the Media Foundation for West Africa, concludes that the ministry did not abuse the single-sourcing procurement process. Minister of State for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, stated that 1,301 out of 1,441 road contracts under the current administration were awarded through open or competitive tendering, accounting for 90.28 percent of all contracts. Single sourcing represented only 4.58 percent of contracts in 2025 and 2026. While 47.14 percent of the 140 projects under the "Big Push" infrastructure program were single-sourced, the government explained this was to expedite project delivery, address urgent infrastructure needs, and mitigate cost increases. All single-source contracts under the "Big Push" were approved by the Public Procurement Authority Board and complied with legal requirements.
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Dr Clement Abaa Apaak, Member of Parliament for Builsa South, has defended the timing of former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo's resignation, asserting that no law was violated. This comes amidst questions regarding the formal acceptance and public disclosure of her decision. Dr Apaak explained that a government spokesperson clarified that Sophia Akuffo submitted her resignation in September 2025. The President initially delayed accepting it following an intervention by the Council of State, which aimed to facilitate dialogue and potential reconciliation. Dr Apaak dismissed concerns about the legality of the process, stating that the timing of the announcement did not constitute a breach of law or an infraction. He also noted that Sophia Akuffo had not communicated her reasons for resigning to the Presidency and cautioned against speculating on her motives, emphasizing that the true reasons are known only to her.
The United States Air Force has announced the arrival of its new VC-25B Bridge aircraft, a modified executive jet designed to transport the US president and function as a secure airborne command post. This luxury Boeing 747-8, donated by the Qatari government and transferred to the Pentagon in 2025, will serve as an interim presidential aircraft while Boeing completes the next generation of Air Force One planes. The VC-25B Bridge has joined the Presidential Airlift Group at Joint Base Andrews and will undergo commissioning flights before full operational service. Painted in a red, white, and blue livery, it will support presidential travel as the aging VC-25A fleet undergoes maintenance. The aircraft emphasizes safety, security, and communications, ensuring the president remains connected and capable of performing constitutional duties globally. Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink stated that the safety and security of the commander in chief is the highest priority. Unlike a conventional passenger aircraft, the VC-25B Bridge is equipped with advanced secure communications systems and specialized technologies for presidential protection and uninterrupted command-and-control. Mission requirements prioritized functionality over aesthetics, resulting in minimal changes to the interior layout but significant upgrades to security and communication systems. Commissioning flights will validate capabilities and finalize procedures. The US Air Force conducted extensive training for p
Must ReadPresident John Dramani Mahama attended a joint Africa and United States Juneteenth commemoration at Christiansborg Castle in Osu, alongside heads of state, traditional leaders, and diaspora members. He reflected on the transatlantic slave trade's legacy, honoring the resilience of its descendants. The event followed the Next Steps High-Level Consultative Conference on Reparatory Justice, which produced an outcome document for future cooperation. President Mahama stressed that justice encompasses more than reparations and artifact return, calling for a global order that offers opportunity, dignity, and fairness for all. He reaffirmed Ghana's commitment to the African diaspora, highlighting policies that welcome people of African descent to reconnect with their ancestral homeland, including residency pathways and expanded visa-free travel. The President stated, "Ghana is your home. You are always welcome in the motherland." The gathering included Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Amor Mottley and other leaders from Africa and the Caribbean.