The Member of Parliament for Old Tafo Constituency, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, has raised fresh concerns about procurement practices at the National Pensions Regulatory Authority (NPRA).
He warned that the growing use of sole sourcing could undermine transparency and value for money.
Questions Over High-Value Contracts
Speaking on Dwaso Nsem on Adom FM, Assafuah pointed to several major contracts awarded through sole sourcing.
These include:
- A consultancy deal worth GH¢4.2 million
- A vehicle procurement arrangement exceeding GH¢17 million and $160,000
According to him, the repeated reliance on sole sourcing for such high-value transactions raises serious concerns about due process.
“Sole sourcing is meant for urgency and necessity, not convenience and favouritism,” he stated.
Concerns Over Costly Consultancy Engagements
The MP also questioned the need for certain consultancy services.
He noted that a reported monthly cost of about GH¢175,000 could suggest duplication of roles within the Authority.
“When you engage a consultant at that cost, you have to ask whether there is a real need,” he said.
Discrepancies in Vehicle Procurement Claims
Assafuah further raised concerns about inconsistencies in the NPRA’s statements regarding vehicle acquisitions.
He challenged claims that no new Land Cruisers had been purchased, citing earlier communication from the Authority’s leadership.
According to him, available records suggest multiple vehicles have been acquired, contradicting official statements.
Call for Greater Accountability
The MP argued that these inconsistencies point to broader issues of transparency and accountability within the National Pensions Regulatory Authority.
He warned that such practices could weaken public trust, particularly in an institution responsible for managing pension-related matters.
Sole Sourcing Under Scrutiny
While acknowledging that sole sourcing is legally permitted under specific conditions, Assafuah maintained that its repeated use in major transactions deserves closer scrutiny.
He called on the Authority to provide clearer justification for its procurement decisions.
Public Confidence at Stake
Assafuah concluded that continued reliance on sole sourcing without transparency could erode confidence in the management of public funds.
He urged the National Pensions Regulatory Authority to adopt more open and accountable processes moving forward.
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