Significant highlights from Roads Minister-designate Kwame Agbodza’s vetting

The Roads and Highways Minister-designate and Member of Parliament for Adaklu, Kwame Governs Agbodza, appeared before Parliament’s Appointments Committee for vetting on Monday, January 20, 2025,

During the vetting, Agbodza addressed critical national issues, responding to questions from both Majority and Minority MPs.

Below are five key areas he touched on during the vetting:

1. Road Tolls to Return with a Technological Upgrade

Agbodza announced plans to reinstate road tolls using advanced technological systems to eliminate physical barriers and improve revenue collection.

“We cautioned the government not to cancel road tolls but to improve the system. The old system had flaws but could have been enhanced rather than dismantled,” he stated, emphasising the need for a modernised, efficient approach to fund road projects.

2. NPP Left Behind GH₵113 Billion in Road Sector Debt

Agbodza revealed that the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) government left behind GH₵113 billion in road sector commitments, with GH₵20 billion in unpaid certificates.

He expressed concern over the mounting interest of GH₵665 million on these debts.

“The NPP’s financial commitments in the road sector are alarming and unsustainable, putting contractors and ongoing projects in precarious positions,” he explained.

3. Prioritizing Completion of Abandoned Projects

The Minister-designate pledged to prioritize the completion of road projects abandoned due to political considerations.

He criticized the decline in road maintenance efforts over the past eight years, highlighting the need for a shift in focus.

“Road maintenance has significantly deteriorated. In 2017, we maintained 9,000km of roads. By 2023, the NPP government managed only 3,000km. We need to commit more resources to maintenance,” he said.

4. GH₵15 Billion Debt Crisis in the Infrastructure Sector

Agbodza raised alarms over the worsening financial crisis in Ghana’s road infrastructure sector, where contractors are owed approximately GH₵3 billion in certified payments, with overall arrears ballooning to GH₵15 billion.

“Delayed payments and growing interest are undermining the sector’s financial stability. We need urgent reforms to address this crisis,” he urged.

5. Reforming Road Contract Awards

The Minister-designate called for a comprehensive review of how road contracts are awarded in Ghana, highlighting inefficiencies and unsustainable practices.

“How can contracts be awarded at four times the allocated budget? We need to meet stakeholders, contractors, and awarding agencies to address these issues. The way contracts are awarded is problematic,” he stated.
In conclusion, Kwame Governs Agbodza’s vetting provided insight into his vision for Ghana’s road infrastructure sector.

Source:3News