Ghana's Minister for Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza, has issued a stern warning to utility companies and telecommunications operators against damaging newly completed roads. During an inspection of ongoing road construction projects in the Ashanti Region, Agbodza emphasized that the government will no longer tolerate disruptions caused by utility works on newly constructed or rehabilitated roads. He stressed that all underground utility installations must be properly coordinated with road contractors before asphalt is laid.
The minister's warning comes as road construction projects across Ghana have often been disrupted by utility works, resulting in additional costs on the state and compromising the quality of completed works. Agbodza cited instances where newly constructed or rehabilitated roads were cut open to accommodate water pipelines, electricity cables, and telecommunications infrastructure. He vowed that the government will hold service providers accountable for any damage caused, saying, "If we see anybody... digging any road that we have completed, we'll take legal action and hold you accountable."
Agbodza urged utility companies to take advantage of ongoing construction works to install their infrastructure or notify contractors of future requirements before the roads are completed. He suggested that early communication from utility companies would allow ducts and other provisions to be incorporated into the construction process, preventing avoidable damage and additional expenditure on road repairs. The minister's position was supported by contractors working on major road projects.
Contractors, such as Kwabena Owusu Aduomi, welcomed the minister's stance, emphasizing that early communication from utility companies would enable them to plan and incorporate necessary provisions into the construction process. Aduomi noted that this would prevent future disruptions and ensure that road construction projects are completed efficiently. The warning comes as the government pushes ahead with road infrastructure projects intended to improve connectivity, ease congestion, and reduce travel time on major transport corridors.
The Ghanaian government is investing heavily in road infrastructure projects to improve the country's transportation network. Agbodza urged contractors to accelerate work and make effective use of available construction time, stressing that extensions would not be granted unless justified. The minister emphasized the importance of completing road projects on schedule to minimize disruptions and ensure that the benefits of the projects are realized.
The issue of utility works disrupting road construction projects is a longstanding one in Ghana. The minister's warning is seen as a move to address this challenge and ensure that road infrastructure projects are completed efficiently. Agbodza's stance has been supported by stakeholders, including contractors and utility companies, who recognize the need for closer collaboration to prevent avoidable damage and additional expenditure on road repairs.
The government's efforts to improve road infrastructure are part of a broader strategy to enhance the country's transportation network and stimulate economic growth. The minister's warning to utility companies is a key aspect of this effort, aimed at ensuring that road construction projects are completed efficiently and effectively. By holding service providers accountable for any damage caused, the government aims to prevent disruptions and ensure that the benefits of road infrastructure projects are realized.
Key points
- The Ghanaian government will hold utility companies accountable for damaging newly completed roads.
- The government urges utility companies to coordinate with road contractors before installing underground infrastructure.
- The warning comes as the government pushes ahead with road infrastructure projects to improve connectivity and ease congestion.
