A fresh controversy has erupted over a nearly $5 million contract awarded by the outgoing Akufo-Addo-led New Patriotic Party (NPP) government just days after their defeat in the 2024 general elections.
The contract, awarded to Joberg Ghana Limited, has raised questions about transparency and the timing of such a significant financial commitment during a transition of power.
According to documents seen by GhanaWeb, the deal involves the construction of 18 two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments at Cantonments for the Ministry of Works and Housing. Dated December 19, 2024, just 12 days after the elections, the contract was signed by Rev. Stephen Yaw Osei, Chief Director of the Ministry, and awarded to Joberg Ghana Limited for $4,944,131.07.
The company was instructed to immediately execute the agreement, secure the project site, and provide a Performance Issuance Bond worth 40% of the project cost.
This move has sparked backlash from the Transition Team of President-elect John Dramani Mahama, who raised concerns about alleged last-minute activities by the outgoing administration. The team cited this housing contract as one of several irregular transactions being pushed through before the government transitions.
Beyond the housing deal, the Transition Team revealed plans by the outgoing government to disburse GH¢240 million to a company for work done with the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG). There were also allegations of attempts to fill positions at the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Bank of Ghana with individuals loyal to the NPP government.
Felix Kwakye Ofosu, spokesperson for the Transition Team, strongly condemned these actions, warning that such activities would not go unpunished. He emphasized that any deals conducted outside the bounds of due process would be thoroughly investigated and those responsible held accountable.
“We are sounding a clear warning to those engaging in irregularities during this transition period. Anyone found violating organizational rules or Ghanaian law will face the consequences when the new administration takes over,” Kwakye Ofosu stated.
The revelations have drawn sharp criticism from civil society groups and the general public, with many calling for greater oversight during government transitions to prevent potential misuse of state resources. The scandal has reignited debates about transparency, accountability, and the ethics of last-minute decisions by outgoing governments.
As the dust settles on the 2024 elections, this housing contract and other alleged irregularities are likely to become focal points for the incoming administration, which has vowed to restore accountability and ensure no wrongdoing goes unchecked