The Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, has stated that no road project has been cancelled or suspended under President John Dramani Mahama’s administration. He described this approach as a deliberate departure from past practices of abandoning ongoing infrastructure projects.
During President Mahama’s “Reset Tour” in the Eastern Region, Minister Agbodza addressed concerns about road networks. He explained that President Mahama directed a focus on ensuring continuity for all ongoing projects. This directive aims to prevent the common sight of abandoned projects when governments change.
This policy is a significant shift from previous administrations. Historically, changes in government in Ghana often led to the suspension or termination of initiated infrastructure projects. This has resulted in significant waste of public funds and delayed development. The Cocoa Roads Programme, for instance, suffered when the previous administration suspended projects in 2017 pending investigations. By the time those investigations concluded, many of the affected roads had already deteriorated significantly.
Minister Agbodza further emphasized the government's commitment to addressing delayed payments to contractors. This has been a persistent issue that hampers project progress. He revealed that President Mahama has paid over GHS 12 billion to contractors for projects inherited from previous governments. Notably, none of this amount was allocated to projects awarded by the current administration. This action aims to restore confidence in the road sector and ensure contractors are paid for work done.
This renewed approach to infrastructure management signals a focus on continuity and accountability. It aims to rebuild trust in the public works system. Decision-makers and contractors will watch closely for sustained implementation of these payment policies. The ongoing "Reset Tour" by President Mahama highlights these infrastructure promises.