The Minister of Roads and Highways, Hon. Governs Kwame Agbodza, has revealed that the government is in the final stages of auditing the total indebtedness owed to road contractors, estimated at GH₵21 billion.
This announcement comes after the Ministry held a press conference with key stakeholders to clarify developments within the sector to the general public.
The meeting brought together various government agencies under the Ministry, selected Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), allied institutions, as well as representatives from the GPRTU, the Concerned Drivers Association, and members of the media.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Agbodza noted that the government and its partners have made significant strides to improve road infrastructure across the country.
He explained that ongoing engagements with stakeholders and heads of agencies under the Ministry have led to concrete steps to validate the full GH₵21 billion owed to contractors. This, he said, would pave the way for the Ministry of Finance to initiate payment processes for certificates submitted by contractors for works already completed.
“The John Mahama-led government is committed to fulfilling its promises to all key stakeholders in the road sector. Since assuming office as the substantive Minister, my team and I have been on the ground inspecting projects aimed at upgrading our road networks to ease trade and business activity across the country,” he said.
“We are almost through with auditing the total debt owed to road contractors. Very soon, there will be smiles on their faces as the Finance Ministry prepares to release funds to offset the government’s liabilities.”
Mr. Agbodza emphasised that a fully functional and quality road network is crucial to stimulating economic activity and generating resources for national development and social interventions.
He further disclosed that the government is engaging contractors working on major highways, urging them to remain on-site. He noted that partial payments have been released for completed portions of work to help ease contractors’ financial burdens and enable them to continue with the projects.
“The government is aware of the difficulties contractors are facing, especially due to the failure of the previous administration to raise funds to pay for completed work, largely as a result of the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme.”
“Key projects such as the Accra-Kumasi Highway, the Eastern Corridor, the Accra-Cape Coast road, and parts of the Accra-Aflao route are critical to Ghana’s economic recovery. We have mobilised funds to support the continuation of these works to avoid undue delays and inconvenience for commuters.”
He commended contractors who have continued work despite the financial challenges, describing them as patriotic and committed to national development. He assured them that more funds would be released in the coming weeks to step up progress on key projects that will enhance trade and commerce across the country.
As part of efforts to revamp the economy and increase revenue, Mr. Agbodza also announced Cabinet’s approval of the government’s Big Push agenda—a strategic plan focused on major infrastructure development across the country. This initiative, he said, would help create an enabling environment to attract foreign direct investment, positioning Ghana as a gateway to Africa.
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Story by Sika Togoh |univers.ug.edu.gh
