The Ghanaian government has made significant payments to road contractors, totaling over $2 billion in Ghana cedi equivalent, over the past two years. This payment was made to settle outstanding arrears and fund new road projects. According to Roads and Highways Minister Governs Kwame Agbodza, the payments were a crucial part of the government's efforts to clear inherited debts owed to road contractors.
Minister Agbodza made this disclosure during an inspection of the Accra-Kumasi bypass project on September 29, 2026. He commended contractors for continuing work on the project, despite claims that the government had directed them to suspend work. The Minister emphasized that the government remained committed to financing road projects and had not abandoned any projects due to funding challenges.
The Minister highlighted that the current government's payment record surpassed that of previous administrations. He stated that President Mahama's government had paid more to contractors within two years than any other government in Ghana's history. This, he said, demonstrated the government's commitment to road development.
The Accra-Kumasi bypass project was a priority for the government, and Minister Agbodza expressed confidence that the project would be completed. He also responded to claims that contractors were not working on the project, urging those who made the claims to take note of the progress recorded at the site.
According to Minister Agbodza, progress on road projects can be physically verified, making it difficult to misrepresent the state of construction. He noted that the government had moved away from the practice of abandoning projects due to funding challenges. The Minister emphasized that work was ongoing on the Accra-Kumasi bypass.
Minister Agbodza rejected claims that the government had directed contractors to suspend work or abandon projects for investigations. He stated that the government was committed to ensuring that road projects continued without interruption. The Minister's comments were made during an inspection of the Accra-Kumasi bypass project.
The government's efforts to clear outstanding arrears and fund new road projects have been ongoing. With over $2 billion paid to contractors in two years, the government has demonstrated its commitment to road development in Ghana. The completion of priority projects like the Accra-Kumasi bypass is expected to improve the country's road network.
Key points
- The Ghanaian government has paid over $2 billion to road contractors in two years to settle arrears and fund new projects.
- The government has prioritized road development, with projects like the Accra-Kumasi bypass expected to improve the country's road network.
- Minister Agbodza has rejected claims that the government directed contractors to suspend work or abandon projects.
