Parliament approves GH¢3.6 billion for Road Maintenance Trust Fund

Ghana's Parliament has approved an amount of GH¢3.6 billion for the 2026 fiscal year to support the Road Maintenance Trust Fund's activities. This approval, following the adoption of a committee's report, aims to ensure sustainable financing for the maintenance and rehabilitation of public roads, bridges, and related infrastructure, as established by the Road Maintenance Trust Fund Act.

Of the total approved amount, GH¢2.8 billion is earmarked for road maintenance, rehabilitation, and emergency/safety programs. An additional GH¢6.8 million will be allocated to the Department of Feeder Roads and the Department of Urban Roads, respectively, with the Ghana Highway Authority receiving GH¢3.4 million. The fund also allocated GH¢1.8 million for administration and technical monitoring.

However, the committee's report highlighted significant financial challenges. While the Fund recorded GH¢3.1 billion in revenue performance, outstanding contractor liabilities reached GH¢10.5 billion by the end of June. The committee proposed amending the Constituency Emergency Programme to Constituency Road Support to enable direct MP supervision of road projects, enhancing accountability. They also expressed concern over the poor state of urban roads and urged prioritizing maintenance interventions to improve transport efficiency, road safety, and economic growth. The substantial outstanding liabilities pose a risk to the road sector's sustainability, prompting a recommendation for the Ministry of Roads and Highways to develop a phased strategy for reducing arrears.