PAC demands a comprehensive review of the $16 million Smart Infraco contract

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has directed Richard Okyere-Fosu, the Director-General of the National Information Technology Agency (NITA), to return with more comprehensive documentation concerning a contentious $16 million service contract between the Communications Ministry and Smart Infraco Limited.

The mandate was issued after Okyere-Fosu’s responses to the Auditor General’s observations about the contract were deemed unsatisfactory. The committee, chaired by James Klutse Avedzi, requires detailed records, including correspondence, proposals, value-for-money reports, contracts, and invoices related to the deal with Smart Infraco Limited.

Avedzi outlined the necessary documents: “We need a copy of the letter from the Ministry of Communication requesting Smart Infraco Limited to submit a proposal for this service. Additionally, we need the proposal submitted for the Smart Workplace Project and their value-for-money reports.”

He also requested comprehensive details on the contractual process: “Provide copies or requests for quotations or proposals from Smart Infraco, evaluation and assessment reports, notification of award and acceptance letters, and a list of all MMDAs supported under the Smart Workplace Project. Furthermore, we need signed completion certificates from NITA with full names and positions of the signatories and all invoices raised by the service providers.”

The PAC has emphasised the importance of transparency and accountability in this matter, aiming to ensure fiscal discipline and integrity in public procurement processes. A date for Okyere-Fosu’s return to the committee will be communicated through the clerk, giving him time to gather the requested information.

This scrutiny is part of PAC’s broader effort to uphold financial management standards and safeguard public resources, ensuring that such significant contracts are awarded and executed with the highest levels of transparency and efficiency.