Ghana's Minister for Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza, has directed ADK, the consultancy firm supervising the Accra-Kumasi Bypass project, to explain its absence from the construction site. The directive was issued during an inspection of ongoing construction works on Tuesday, September 29. The Minister expressed concern that the consultant's absence raised questions about project monitoring and certification processes for payment.
Mr Agbodza emphasized that consultants must be held accountable alongside contractors for the quality of infrastructure delivered. He noted that although contractors are often blamed for substandard work, consultants responsible for supervising and certifying projects also have a duty to ensure that construction meets required standards. The Minister explained that the government engages private consulting firms due to a shortage of engineers and quantity surveyors in public institutions.
The Minister stressed that firms awarded contracts must fulfil their obligations by maintaining a presence on site and regularly reporting progress to relevant authorities. He expressed dissatisfaction that the consultant was not present at the site, stating that they also receive payment and should be responsible for monitoring and reporting. Mr Agbodza warned that the consultant risked facing consequences, including being held accountable for substandard work.
The Ghana Highway Authority had engaged third-party consultants with the necessary expertise to supervise the works. However, Mr Agbodza questioned the effectiveness of their monitoring, citing the lack of regular updates from ADK. He stated that he could not recall the last time the consultants submitted a report or briefed the Ministry on the project's progress.
ADK was invited to appear before the Ministry on Thursday to explain its absence during the inspection. The Minister warned that the firm risked losing the contract if it failed to provide a satisfactory explanation. He stated that the Ministry was prepared to replace ADK with the Ghana Highway Authority if necessary.
Despite concerns about supervision arrangements, Mr Agbodza commended the workers present at the site and urged them to sustain the pace of construction and complete the project. He emphasized the government's commitment to finishing the bypass, describing it as an important transport corridor. The Minister assured that the President, John Dramani Mahama, was appreciative of their work.
The Minister concluded that if ADK failed to present a convincing justification for its absence, he would recommend its immediate replacement with the Ghana Highway Authority. He emphasized that the Highway Authority was capable of taking over the work and completing it. The project's completion is crucial, and the Ministry will ensure that the consultant fulfils its obligations.
Key points
- The consultant's absence from the site raised questions about project monitoring and certification processes for payment.
- The Minister emphasized that consultants must be held accountable alongside contractors for the quality of infrastructure delivered.
- The firm risked losing the contract if it failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for its absence.
