Workers at the Ghana Highway Authority (GHA) have warned that the government’s “Big Push” road development programme faces severe threats. The Authority’s resource challenges, particularly poor equipment, could cause major setbacks for the ambitious infrastructure plan. This comes as Ghana seeks to invest significantly in its road network to boost economic activity and connectivity.
The GHA staff, represented by their union, highlighted a critical lack of necessary resources to support the large-scale infrastructure plan adequately. They specifically identified poor logistics, outdated equipment, and weak enforcement systems as significant obstacles. Union officials stated that these deficiencies severely hamper the Authority's ability to carry out its responsibilities effectively for national road projects.
This situation directly impacts the broader Ghanaian economic growth agenda, which heavily relies on improved infrastructure. The "Big Push" initiative, valued at an estimated GHS 10 billion over several years, aims to upgrade and expand road networks across the country. Data from the Ministry of Roads and Highways consistently shows that robust infrastructure is crucial for agricultural distribution, trade, and regional integration, all key drivers of Ghana's GDP.
Noble Boble Yasroku, the union’s National Chairman, questioned the Authority's capacity under current conditions. He stated, “How can we effectively support the Big Push when we are poorly resourced? We lack vehicles for monitoring projects, and our laboratories do not have the necessary equipment for testing construction materials. Most of our equipment is obsolete and needs urgent replacement.” This direct statement underscores the severe operational constraints faced by GHA personnel responsible for project oversight.
The union further reported that many regional offices operate with very few vehicles. This scarcity makes it difficult for engineers to inspect projects across different parts of Ghana efficiently. Staff members often spend many hours traveling to supervise construction works due to these transport shortages. This inefficiency can lead to delays and compromise the quality of ongoing road projects.
Moreover, the workers expressed grave concerns about poor enforcement at axle load stations. These stations are critical for preventing heavy-duty trucks from exceeding weight limits, which severely damages roads. Members allege that political interference has undermined the system, allowing overloaded trucks to bypass proper checks. Such practices accelerate road degradation, reducing the lifespan of newly constructed roads and increasing maintenance costs for the state.
The union also claimed that individuals linked to political parties have taken control of some axle load stations. These individuals reportedly collect fines without proper accountability, resulting in significant revenue loss for the state. “This is public money that should go into government coffers, but it is being diverted,” the union emphasized, highlighting the financial implications of such corruption on public funds.
The GHA workers are urging the government to immediately provide modern equipment and improve logistics. They also demand stronger enforcement at axle load stations and protection from political influence. These measures are essential to safeguard the substantial investment in the “Big Push” programme and ensure its long-term success. Without these changes, Ghana’s road infrastructure risks premature erosion and continued underperformance, directly impacting economic development.