The Over-Priced Sole-Sourced Contracts Awarded to the Bawumias - Sammy Gyamfi
Isaac Mintah 
Sammy Gyamfi Esq., National Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), addressed the media at a press conference, shedding light on the controversial issue of over-priced sole-sourced contracts awarded to the Bawumias.
Gyamfi's detailed exposition underscored the alleged rampant corruption and nepotism within the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration.
A Call to Rescue Ghana
Gyamfi began by setting the stage for his address, highlighting the dire economic and social conditions in Ghana. "Our dear nation Ghana finds herself at a defining moment of history," he stated.
Ghanaians are experiencing unprecedented levels of hardships today, reeling under economic bankruptcy, an ever-depreciating cedi, soaring food prices, a high cost of living, crippling taxes, and the highest youth unemployment rate in the history of the Fourth Republic.
The Thriving Phenomenon of Corruption
In a stark contrast to the suffering of the masses, Gyamfi pointed out that corruption has thrived under the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia/NPP government. He accused government officials of hijacking the meager resources of the country for their benefit, thus imposing untold hardships and pain on the citizenry. Gyamfi's focus was on dubious and overpriced sole-sourced contracts, which he claims have become the norm under this administration, causing the nation to lose billions of cedis.
The Promises and the Reality
Gyamfi recalled the promises made by President Akufo-Addo and Alhaji Bawumia in opposition, where they condemned the use of sole-sourcing in government procurement. He cited multiple instances where both leaders vowed to end sole-sourcing and promote transparency. However, Gyamfi argued that time has exposed their dishonesty and duplicity. He accused Bawumia of becoming the biggest promoter and beneficiary of sole-sourcing once in power.
The Bawumia Contracts
Gyamfi detailed several contracts awarded to Resource Access Limited, a company owned by Bawumia's brother, Abraham Bawumia, and his wife, Kaminska Bawumia. Among these were:
- Sunyani Airport Rehabilitation: A sole-sourced contract valued at GHS52.25 million.
- Cocoa Road Projects: Overpriced contracts awarded in 2020, totaling GHS83 million for two projects.
- Selected Road Projects: Contracts valued at GHS83 million awarded between March 2023 and March 2024.
Gyamfi emphasized the inflated nature of these contracts, comparing them unfavorably to similar projects undertaken by the previous NDC administration.
The Auditor-General's Findings
Gyamfi cited a Performance Audit Report by the Auditor-General, which revealed that these single-sourced cocoa road contracts were overpriced and awarded in breach of the Public Procurement Law. He emphasized the financial losses incurred by the nation due to these practices.
The Path Forward
Gyamfi concluded his address by calling for a change in leadership, advocating for the election of H.E. John Dramani Mahama. He promised that under a Mahama-led administration, there would be a rigorous fight against corruption, with a focus on accountability and justice. He highlighted Mahama's track record of ensuring accountability during his previous tenure and promised that a future NDC government would investigate and prosecute all sleazy, illegal, and inflated sole-sourced contracts.
A Vision for Ghana
Gyamfi outlined Mahama's vision for Ghana, emphasizing:
- Accountability and the retrieval of stolen funds.
- Modernization of agriculture and promotion of agribusiness.
- Creation of a 24-hour economy with decent, well-paying jobs.
- Empowerment of women through a National Women’s Development Bank.
- Training of one million young people in coding and other IT modules.
- Lean and clean government operations.
A Call to Action
Gyamfi concluded by urging Ghanaians to vote for change. The time for CHANGE is NOW! Vote for change. Vote for John Mahama and the NDC to RESET Ghana and build the Ghana we all want.
Source: Sammy Gyamfi Esq, National Communications Officer.
