President John Dramani Mahama has defended his government’s decision to award road contracts to companies regardless of their political affiliations, saying competence remains the key criterion.
Speaking at the Kwahu Easter Business Forum held at the Kwahu Convention Centre on 4 April 2026, Mr Mahama said he had resisted pressure from some supporters of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) to sideline firms perceived to be linked to the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).
He said concerns had been raised about such contractors benefiting from the government’s “Big Push” road initiative, but noted that even critics acknowledged their technical and financial capability.
“Don’t they have the capacity to do the job?” the president said he asked, adding that the issue was settled on the basis of competence.
“They have the equipment. They employ Ghanaians. Anybody who has the capacity to execute the project should be given it,” he said. “For me, it is not about who does the project, but ensuring the roads are completed.”
Mr Mahama stressed that his administration does not apply political considerations in awarding public contracts.
“I don’t have political colours when I look at the Ghanaian private sector,” he added.
The “Big Push” initiative is a nationwide road rehabilitation programme expected to cover more than 2,000 kilometres.
The president warned that politicising business has historically undermined private sector growth in Ghana, particularly during changes in government.
“Many companies suffer when they are perceived to be aligned with a particular political party,” he said, noting that this often leads to victimisation when power shifts.
He also advised entrepreneurs against building businesses solely around government contracts, cautioning that such dependence could make them vulnerable to political transitions.
The issue of political neutrality in business was also highlighted in remarks attributed to Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, delivered on his behalf by Weija-Gbawe MP Jerry Ahmed Shaib.
The statement warned that politicising local enterprises could weaken their competitiveness and discourage innovation.
The Kwahu Easter Business Forum, now in its third edition, was initiated by President Mahama and Chief of Staff Julius Debrah to promote dialogue on private sector growth and investment.
This year’s event brought together business leaders, banking executives, heads of state-owned enterprises and senior government officials to discuss strategies for expanding Ghana’s economy.
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Source: www.kumasimail.com
