No more excuses: Fix our roads on time

Ghana's Minister for Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza, has issued a stern warning to contractors, signaling an end to tolerance for delayed road projects. Across the nation, numerous vital infrastructure projects have languished for years, transforming essential routes into sources of frustration for travelers, businesses, and communities. The minister's clear message is that delays will no longer be accepted, and contractors failing to meet agreed timelines risk contract termination.

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delays will no longer be tolerated.

Road infrastructure is fundamental to national development, facilitating market access, easing transportation, and bolstering economic growth. Every delay incurs significant costs, including extended travel times, increased fares, vehicle damage, and potentially accidents. The Ghanaian Times has consistently pointed out that the issues often stem from weak contract enforcement and inadequate supervision, rather than solely funding problems. If the government is fulfilling its financial obligations, contractors must reciprocate with timely delivery.

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contractors who fail to meet agreed timelines risk termination

The minister's observation that some contractors progress steadily under the same conditions while others lag behind highlights capacity and commitment issues within the sector. A crucial step is preventing contractors with existing delays from undertaking new projects, which should curb the practice of abandoning work midway. The ministry's renewed focus on monitoring, including inspection tours, is vital for ensuring accountability. However, the revelation that approximately 28 kilometers of road on the Eastern Corridor require redoing due to poor workmanship is deeply concerning, representing a waste of taxpayer funds.

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taxpayers’ money should be wasted on substandard work.

Beyond contract termination, accountability measures must be implemented to deter future substandard work. The minister's commitment to addressing challenges like utility relocations and right-of-way constraints is commendable, emphasizing the need for effective stakeholder coordination. Residents affected by these projects are also urged to cooperate for timely completion. Ultimately, the success of the government's "Big Push" initiative hinges on execution, demanding discipline, enforcement, and accountability from all parties involved. The Ghanaian Times calls on the Ministry to translate its words into decisive action, rewarding diligent contractors and sanctioning those who fail.

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Announcements alone will not deliver roads; discipline, enforcement and accountability will.