By: Evans Attah Akangla| ignewss|
The latest report from the Auditor General, focusing on the performance audit of the Cocoa Road project launched in 2015, has brought to light significant challenges in the implementation of the initiative by COCOBOD.
According to the report, despite efforts to involve subsidiaries and the Department of Feeder Roads (DFR) in project identification and management validation, COCOBOD has failed to prioritize roads and has undertaken more projects than its budget could support.
The report highlights discrepancies in budgeting and implementation, particularly in the Cocoa Road Improvement Programme (CRIP) phases I and II.
In CRIP I, COCOBOD awarded 234 road contracts valued at GHc5.2 billion, which was 3.25 times the budgeted amount of GHc1.60 billion. Similarly, in CRIP II, 226 contracts were awarded at GHc13.0 billion, a staggering 9.9 times higher than the budgeted GHc1.31 billion.
Furthermore, the report raises concerns about the lack of competitive bidding for 87% of CRIP II road contracts. Out of the 266 contracts awarded for CRIP II, covering a total length of 4,100km, only 33 were through competitive bidding, 175 through single-source procurement, and 58 through restricted tendering.
Compounding the issues, some completed roads have failed to meet contract specifications, leading to deterioration that may shorten their expected lifespan. The consultants, according to the report, failed to ensure contractors executed work to the required standards.
To address these challenges and enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of CRIP, the Performance Audit Report recommends several measures. COCOBOD is urged to develop and implement a detailed plan and strategy to prioritize road projects based on factors such as budget, road conditions, and cocoa production areas.
Seeking expert advice to analyze procurement options for better value for money is also advised. Additionally, the report emphasizes the need for increased supervision of road works, provision of necessary resources, and rectification of defective works.
In a bid to bring accountability and resolution to ongoing challenges, the report advises COCOBOD to suspend the awarding of new contracts until all existing contracts are completed and payments made.
These recommendations, if implemented, aim to strengthen the Cocoa Road project, improve transportation infrastructure in cocoa-growing areas, and reduce post-harvest losses.