The Minister of Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza, has reaffirmed President John Mahama’s commitment to infrastructure development, describing the road sector as a central pillar of the government’s national development agenda.
Mr Agbodza made the remarks on Friday during a courtesy visit to the Volta Regional House of Chiefs, where he outlined the government’s priorities and progress in reviving stalled road projects across the country since the President’s return to office.
He disclosed that President Mahama inherited a road sector portfolio valued at more than GH¢110 billion but said nearly 99 per cent of contractors were off-site at the time due to non-payment of certified works.
“The problem was not a lack of projects, but a lack of payment. Contractors had raised certificates, but without payment, they could not continue work,” he explained.
The Minister said the President directed that no inherited road project should be terminated, irrespective of which administration awarded the contract.
“These projects are for national development, not political ownership. Contractors were asked to return to site and complete their work,” he stated.
Mr Agbodza revealed that as of December 31, 2025, the government, through the Ministry of Finance, had paid close to GH¢7 billion to road contractors, most of whom had been awarded their contracts under previous administrations.
“This reflects leadership that is nationalistic and development-oriented, rather than partisan,” he said.
The Minister explained that the President’s road development programme is anchored on rehabilitating major trunk roads while strengthening feeder roads to improve access to rural and peri-urban communities.
He outlined three key national corridors: The Western Corridor, stretching from Takoradi through Sawla to Wa; the Eastern Corridor, running from Tema through Hohoe, Jasikan and Kpasa to Damongo; and the Central Corridor, linking Accra through Kumasi to Tamale.
Mr Agbodza noted that several sections of these routes had been awarded in the past but stalled due to funding challenges.
He said these have now been integrated into the government’s flagship “Big Push” Phase One Priority Projects.
He identified the Accra–Adomi Bridge–Ho–Dzodze–Aflao Road as a major priority, describing it as critical to regional trade, tourism, and cross-border integration.
“Work is ongoing, particularly on the Ho- Aflao section, where some contractors are making steady progress. All Big Push projects are expected to be completed within a two-year timeframe, by the end of 2027,” he said.
The Minister called on traditional leaders and residents to actively monitor projects in their communities.
“Do not allow contractors to take projects and abandon them. You have the right to demand updates and hold them accountable,” he urged.
Mr Agbodza listed several ongoing and upcoming projects, including the Accra–Ashaiman–Atimpoku Corridor, where delays had been caused by the failure to relocate utility services before contract awards.
He said coordination with the Electricity Company of Ghana and Ghana Water Company is underway to resolve the challenge.
He also mentioned the Motorway Extension to Central University, which had stalled due to debt restructuring but is now nearing renegotiation for continuation, and the Volivo Bridge Project, which he described as set to become the largest and one of the most iconic bridges in the country.
He said discussions with the Japanese Government had reached an advanced stage, with sod-cutting expected before the end of the year.
Additional works, he said, are ongoing or scheduled to begin on the Sege–Mefe Road, roads and some roads within the Ho Municipality, Anloga, Ketu North, Hohoe, Amedzofe.
Sokode–Juapong, Abutia Teti–Dzakpo, Vakpo–Wusuta, Abor–Atsiavi, and several town and feeder roads across the region.
The Minister cautioned against frequent variations to awarded projects, warning that such changes often increase costs and delay completion.
“Let us complete phase one first. If expansions or dual carriageways are needed, they can be done in the future. The priority now is to make our roads safe and motorable,” he said.
The Volta Regional House of Chiefs commended President Mahama for his efforts in the road sector and other areas, noting that the government was fulfilling key campaign promises and strengthening engagement with traditional authorities.
Mr Agbodza assured the chiefs of the Ministry’s continued openness to dialogue and collaboration to ensure that communities across the region benefit from improved road infrastructure.
About the Author
