John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has announced plans to establish an independent office to ensure value for money.
This office will review all government procurements exceeding a $5 million threshold or as advised by Parliament.
Mahama identified government procurement as a major avenue for corruption. He made these remarks while addressing journalists in Accra on Sunday.
He emphasised that the management of public finances under his administration would always adhere to national laws, be transparent, pass contemporary value-for-money tests, and serve the wider citizenry’s interests.
He pledged that the NDC, if he is elected president, would prioritise accountability.
“As we all know, government procurement is a significant source of corruption. No economy can sustain inclusive and equitable social and economic well-being with the penchant for public service holders to be self-serving and corrupt, as is currently the case. The use of public finances will always be compliant with national laws, transparent, justified by contemporary value-for-money tests, and solely in the interest of the broader citizens.”
“To eradicate corruption, we need to enhance accountability in government procurement processes. Accountability empowers the people. God willing, as the prospective president and leader, I assure the people of Ghana that the NDC is fully committed to accountability.
“This is why one of our primary policies will be to establish an independent value-for-money office to scrutinise all government procurements above a $5 million threshold or as shall be advised by Parliament,” he stated.
