Roads Minister urges chiefs to observe highway contractors as Mahama pushes infrastructure finishing touch – Life Pulse Daily
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Roads Minister Urges Chiefs to Monitor Highway Contractors as Mahama Pushes Infrastructure Finishing Touch – Life Pulse Daily
Introduction
Ghana’s road infrastructure landscape is undergoing a significant shift under the current administration, with a renewed focus on accountability, completion of stalled projects, and national unity. The Minister of Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza, has outlined a clear roadmap for reviving the nation’s road network, emphasizing that infrastructure development transcends political boundaries. In a strategic engagement with the Volta Regional House of Chiefs, the Minister called for a collaborative approach involving traditional authorities to ensure highway contractors deliver on their mandates. This move aligns with President John Mahama’s broader vision to provide a “finishing touch” to critical infrastructure projects that were previously stalled, thereby boosting economic activity and regional integration.
This article provides an in-depth analysis of the government’s road infrastructure strategy, the financial commitments made, and the specific projects slated for completion. We will explore the background of the stalled projects, analyze the government’s payment strategies, and offer practical insights into how communities can engage in monitoring these vital developments.
Key Points
- **Government’s Commitment:** President Mahama’s administration is prioritizing the completion of inherited road projects rather than terminating them based on political affiliation.
- **Financial Injection:** The Ministry of Finance has released approximately GH¢7 billion to settle outstanding payments to contractors, addressing the primary cause of stalled works.
- **Strategic Corridors:** Three major national corridors—Western, Eastern, and Central—are being rehabilitated to enhance connectivity and economic flow.
- **Call to Action:** Traditional leaders and community members are urged to monitor contractors to ensure projects are completed on time and to specification.
- **Flagship Projects:** The "Big Push" Phase One includes high-priority projects like the Accra–Adomi Bridge–Ho–Dzodze–Aflao Road and the upcoming Volivo Bridge.
Background
The State of Roads Prior to 2025
The current administration inherited a complex road infrastructure portfolio valued at over GH¢110 billion. However, despite the massive investment in contracts, the physical progress on the ground was negligible. The core issue was not a lack of projects but a severe liquidity crisis. Nearly 99% of highway contractors were off-site because the government had failed to pay for certified works.
Political vs. National Development
Historically, infrastructure projects in Ghana have often been susceptible to political shifts, where incoming administrations might hesitate to continue projects initiated by their predecessors. This approach has often led to abandoned projects and wasted resources. The current Roads Minister, Governs Kwame Agbodza, highlighted a paradigm shift during his visit to the Volta Regional House of Chiefs. He clarified that President Mahama’s directive is clear: no inherited road project should be terminated based on which political party awarded the contract. The focus is strictly on national development.
Analysis
Addressing the Payment Bottleneck
The most critical analysis of the current road situation reveals that the previous administration’s failure was primarily financial rather than technical. Contractors had raised certificates—official documents verifying work done—but were not paid. In the construction industry, cash flow is king. Without payment, contractors cannot purchase materials, pay laborers, or maintain machinery.
The current government’s release of nearly GH¢7 billion as of December 31, 2025, is a strategic move to unlock this frozen sector. By paying contractors who were awarded contracts under previous administrations, the government is demonstrating a “nationalistic and development-oriented” leadership style. This injection of capital is expected to bring heavy machinery back to sites across the country, accelerating the pace of work.
The “Big Push” Strategy
The government’s road success program is anchored on a dual approach: rehabilitating primary trunk roads (inter-regional) and strengthening feeder roads (local access). This is encapsulated in the “Big Push” Phase One Priority Projects.
1. The Three Major Corridors
The Minister identified three critical national corridors that serve as the backbone of Ghana’s economy:
* **The Western Corridor:** Stretching from Takoradi through Sawla to Wa. This route is vital for transporting goods from the port in Takoradi to the northern regions.
* **The Eastern Corridor:** Running from Tema through Hohoe, Jasikan, Kpasa to Damongo. This corridor connects the industrial hub of Tema to the northern territories, facilitating trade and logistics.
* **The Central Corridor:** Linking Accra via Kumasi to Tamale. As one of the busiest routes in the country, its maintenance is crucial for the movement of people and goods between the capital, the Ashanti region, and the Northern region.
2. Regional Integration and Tourism
The Accra–Adomi Bridge–Ho–Dzodze–Aflao Road is highlighted as a strategic priority. This road is not just a local asset but a gateway for regional integration. It supports cross-border trade with Togo and beyond, enhances tourism in the Volta Region, and connects key economic zones. The steady progress on the Ho–Aflao section signals a commitment to meeting the two-year completion target set for the end of 2027.
Infrastructure Challenges and Solutions
The analysis of stalled projects reveals recurring technical and administrative hurdles. For instance, the Accra–Ashaiman–Atimpoku Corridor faced delays due to the failure to relocate utility services (ECG and Ghana Water Company) before contract awards. This highlights a systemic issue in project planning: the need for better inter-agency coordination. The current government’s approach involves proactive collaboration with utility providers to clear bottlenecks before and during construction.
Similarly, the Motorway Extension to Central University stalled due to debt restructuring. The analysis suggests that financial engineering is as important as civil engineering in infrastructure delivery. The renegotiation of this project indicates a willingness to restructure debts to free up resources for development.
Practical Advice
How Traditional Authorities and Communities Can Monitor Contractors
The Minister’s call to action for chiefs and citizens is not merely symbolic; it is a practical tool for quality assurance. Here is how communities can effectively monitor road projects:
1. **Demand Visibility of Contracts:** Community leaders should request to see the contract documents (or summaries) for projects in their area. Key details include the scope of work, timeline, and contractor identity.
2. **Establish Site Visits:** Chiefs and assembly members should organize regular site visits. The presence of authority figures often motivates contractors to maintain schedules.
3. **Verify Materials:** Community members can observe the quality of materials used. For example, are the correct grades of asphalt or concrete being used? Are drainage channels being constructed as specified?
4. **Document Progress:** Use smartphones to take dated photos of the project site weekly. This creates a visual timeline that can be used to address delays or quality issues with the Ministry of Roads and Highways.
5. **Report Non-Compliance:** If a contractor abandons the site or performs substandard work, the community should immediately report to the regional offices of the Ministry of Roads and Highways, providing evidence (photos and videos).
Advice for Contractors
* **Adhere to Specifications:** Do not cut corners. The Minister warned against variations that increase costs. Stick to the original bill of quantities unless officially approved.
* **Prioritize Safety:** Ensure that work zones are safe for the public, especially on busy corridors like the Eastern and Central corridors.
* **Engage Locals:** Where possible, employ local labor and source materials locally to boost the local economy and foster community goodwill.
FAQ
**Q1: Why were previous road projects stalled?**
A: The primary reason was non-payment. Contractors had completed certified works but were not paid, leading to a lack of working capital to continue operations.
**Q2: What is the “Big Push” initiative?**
A: The “Big Push” is the current government’s flagship infrastructure program focused on completing Phase One priority road projects within a two-year timeframe, aiming for completion by the end of 2027.
**Q3: Which specific roads are being prioritized in the Volta Region?**
A: Key projects include the Accra–Adomi Bridge–Ho–Dzodze–Aflao Road, the Volivo Bridge, Sege–Mefe Road, and various roads within the Ho Municipality, Anloga, Ketu North, and Hohoe.
**Q4: Is the government favoring projects started by the current administration?**
A: No. The Minister explicitly stated that President Mahama directed that no inherited road project should be terminated regardless of which party awarded the contract. The focus is on national development, not political ownership.
**Q5: When is the Volivo Bridge expected to start?**
A: Discussions with the Japanese Government (likely funders) have reached a sophisticated level, with sod-cutting expected before the end of the year.
**Q6: How much has been paid to contractors so far?**
A: As of December 31, 2025, the government has paid nearly GH¢7 billion to highway contractors.
Conclusion
The Roads Minister’s engagement with the Volta Regional House of Chiefs marks a pivotal moment in Ghana’s infrastructure journey. By prioritizing the completion of stalled projects through strategic financial payments and fostering a non-partisan approach to development, the government is setting the stage for a robust road network. The call for chiefs and citizens to monitor contractors is a democratic move that empowers communities and ensures accountability.
As the “Big Push” rolls out across the Western, Eastern, and Central corridors, the expected outcomes include safer roads, reduced travel times, and enhanced economic activities. However, success depends on sustained funding, technical coordination (especially regarding utility relocation), and active community oversight. If these elements align, the vision of a fully motorable and interconnected Ghana by 2027 is well within reach.
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