By Valentia Tetteh
The Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, has assured road contractors that government remains committed to completing inherited road projects across the country despite ongoing financial and contractual challenges in the sector.
According to the Minister, the current administration has no intention of suspending or cancelling projects awarded under the previous government, stressing that road infrastructure development remains a national priority.
Mr. Agbodza gave the assurance during an engagement with road contractors in the Eastern Region on Monday, May 11, 2026, as part of his nationwide road inspection tour.
Government inherited huge debt burden
The Roads Minister disclosed that government inherited debts in the road sector amounting to nearly GH¢40 billion, including interest obligations owed to contractors.
Despite the financial burden, he said government has already paid approximately GH¢12 billion to contractors since assuming office.
“Government’s intention, as you have heard and as we have demonstrated, is not to suspend or cancel any project we inherited,” he stated.
Contractors encouraged to resume work
Mr. Agbodza acknowledged that several contractors had already undertaken substantial portions of work before projects stalled due to unpaid certificates, scope variations and uncertainty surrounding continuation of the contracts.
According to him, certificates raised and unpaid before 2024 amount to approximately GH¢1.6 billion, although some contractors may have already received partial payments under recent government disbursements.
“Many of you have done the most difficult part of the work already. So what is left to do is not the most difficult part,” he told the contractors.
He further encouraged contractors to return to site once there is clarity on project completion costs and payment arrangements.
“If we have clarity as to the cost to complete and you get some small money, you can actually come and complete your section and move on,” he said.
Priority projects remain on course
The Minister stressed that ongoing road projects remain priority government interventions regardless of the funding arrangement under which they are executed.
“Don’t be worried whether it is called Big Push or small push or anything. It is a priority project,” he noted.
He explained that the rates and financing structures being applied remain consistent with government infrastructure expenditure frameworks.
Structural and contractual challenges
Mr. Agbodza also noted that some inherited projects encountered difficulties due to unclear project scopes and contractual complications, resulting in significant cost escalations beyond original estimates.
He said government is currently working to address those concerns while ensuring contractors are supported to complete projects.
Appreciation to contractors
The Roads Minister expressed appreciation to contractors for their patience and continued partnership with government despite the difficulties facing the sector.
“We appreciate what you have done. Many of you are still working with us on other projects, and we appreciate your contribution toward building the country together,” he said.
The engagement forms part of government’s broader efforts to assess ongoing road infrastructure projects nationwide and engage stakeholders on strategies to accelerate completion of critical works.
