Roads ministry objectives 137 new recruits to spice up capability for Big Push programme – Life Pulse Daily

Introduction

The Ghanaian Ministry of Roads and Highways has announced an ambitious recruitment drive that will add 137 new employees across five key divisions in 2026. The move is part of a broader effort to strengthen the ministry’s capacity for the Big Push road‑infrastructure programme, a flagship project supported by a GH₵30.8 billion allocation from the national budget. This article dissects the recruitment plan, the accompanying budget of GH₵5.37 billion, and the expected impact on Ghana’s road network development.

Analysis

Why the Ministry Needs More Staff

According to Isaac Adjei Mensah, Chairman of the Committee on Roads and Transport, the ministry is currently facing “serious staffing deficiencies” in its Feeder Roads, Urban Roads, Highways, Road Front, and Koforidua divisions. These gaps hinder the execution of large‑scale projects such as the Big Push, which requires coordinated planning, supervision, and maintenance activities. By filling 137 vacant positions, the ministry aims to:

• Improve project monitoring and quality control.
• Accelerate the execution timeline of road construction contracts.
• Enhance technical support for local contractors and consultants.

Budget Allocation and Financial Context

The Committee’s record, presented to Parliament, details a total allocation of GH₵5,378,458,359.00 for the Ministry of Roads and Highways for the fiscal year 2026. The breakdown is as follows:

In addition to the domestic budget, the ministry expects to receive GH₵910.8 million in development assistance from international partners, further bolstering the financial base for the Big Push.

Alignment with the Big Push Programme

The Big Push programme is a multi‑year national initiative designed to upgrade Ghana’s road network, improve connectivity, and stimulate economic growth. With a dedicated allocation of GH₵30.8 billion, the programme targets:

• Construction of new arterial highways.
• Rehabilitation of deteriorated feeder roads.
• Urban road upgrades to reduce congestion in major cities.

Human resources are a critical success factor. The recruitment of 137 staff members is projected to fill operational gaps that have previously slowed project delivery, thereby enabling the ministry to meet the ambitious timelines set for the Big Push.

Summary

In 2026, the Ghanaian Ministry of Roads and Highways will hire 137 new workers across five divisions to address chronic understaffing. The recruitment is financed by a GH₵5.37 billion budget, part of which covers salaries, procurement, and capital projects. This staffing boost is directly linked to the successful execution of the GH₵30.8 billion Big Push road‑infrastructure programme, with supplementary support from international development partners.

Key Points

Practical Advice

For Job Seekers

If you are a civil engineer, project manager, surveyor, or have experience in road construction, the upcoming recruitment drive presents a timely opportunity. Consider the following steps:

1. Visit the official Ministry of Roads and Highways website for the latest vacancy notices.
2. Prepare a tailored CV highlighting relevant experience in feeder‑road projects or urban‑road planning.
3. Gather certifications such as the Ghana Institution of Engineers (GhIE) membership, which is often preferred for technical roles.
4. Stay updated on the application deadline, typically announced a few weeks before the fiscal year begins.

For Contractors and Consultants

Understanding the ministry’s staffing boost can help contractors align their proposals with the new capacity. Recommendations include:

• Engage early with the newly appointed officials to establish rapport.
• Adjust project schedules to reflect the anticipated reduction in approval bottlenecks.
• Leverage the additional budget for procurement of modern equipment, which may be offered through the ministry’s goods‑and‑services allocation.

Points of Caution

While the recruitment plan is promising, several risks could affect its implementation:

• Recruitment timelines: Delays in the public service hiring process could postpone the onboarding of staff.
• Budget overruns: If capital costs exceed projections, the ministry may need to re‑allocate funds, potentially impacting salary disbursements.
• Skill mismatch: Hiring the right mix of technical and managerial expertise is essential; a mismatch could undermine project quality.
• Policy changes: Shifts in government priorities or fiscal policy could alter the funding landscape for the Big Push.

Comparison

To contextualise the 2026 recruitment drive, it is useful to compare it with previous staffing initiatives:

The 2026 plan represents the largest single‑year recruitment effort to date, reflecting the scale of the Big Push and the ministry’s commitment to addressing long‑standing staffing deficits.

Legal Implications

Public sector recruitment and budget allocation in Ghana are governed by several statutes and regulations:

• Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 925) – mandates transparent budgeting, expenditure tracking, and parliamentary approval of allocations such as the GH₵5.37 billion earmarked for the Ministry of Roads and Highways.
• Civil Service Act, 1993 (Act 570) – outlines the recruitment procedures, merit‑based selection, and anti‑corruption safeguards for hiring civil servants.
• Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663) – governs the procurement of goods, services, and works, ensuring that the GH₵59.2 million allocated for goods and services is spent in compliance with competitive bidding rules.
• International Development Cooperation Agreements – the GH₵910.8 million expected from development partners must comply with both Ghanaian law and the donors’ contractual terms, often requiring periodic audit reports and performance benchmarks.

Failure to adhere to these legal frameworks could result in audit findings, financial penalties, or delays in fund disbursement, underscoring the importance of robust governance throughout the recruitment and project implementation phases.

Conclusion

The upcoming recruitment of 137 staff members marks a pivotal step for the Ministry of Roads and Highways as it gears up to deliver the ambitious Big Push road‑infrastructure programme. Backed by a substantial GH₵5.37 billion budget and additional international support, the initiative aims to resolve chronic understaffing, accelerate project timelines, and ultimately improve Ghana’s road network. While challenges such as recruitment delays and budgetary pressures remain, the legal safeguards and strategic planning outlined by the Committee on Roads and Transport provide a solid foundation for success.

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