Roads Minister Agbodza Summons Consultants and Directs Contractors to Expedite Major Highway Projects

The Minister for Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza, has issued a series of stern directives to contractors and supervising consultants across several key infrastructure projects, signaling the Mahama administration's zero-tolerance policy for delays. During a comprehensive inspection tour of major road corridors on September 29, 2025, the Minister expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of work and the absence of critical oversight personnel, warning that the government is prepared to take drastic measures to ensure project timelines are met. These site visits form part of a broader effort to monitor the progress of vital transport links connecting the capital to the northern and Ashanti regions.

A significant confrontation occurred at the site of the Accra-Kumasi Bypass, where Minister Agbodza summoned the supervising consulting firm, ADK, following their absence during his visit. Highlighting the indispensable role of consultants in maintaining construction standards, the Minister criticized the lack of progress reports and the firm's lack of on-site presence. He warned that if a satisfactory explanation is not provided, he would recommend the firm’s removal and task the Ghana Highway Authority (GHA) with taking over supervision. Despite these concerns, Agbodza commended the laborers on-site for their continued efforts, reiterating the project's importance to President John Mahama’s development agenda.

In Kumasi, the Minister turned his attention to the Kumasi Outer Ring Road and the Suame Interchange projects. He urged Arab Contractors Ghana Limited to hasten their pace on the ring road, specifically calling for a transition from earthworks to concrete works. Minister Agbodza emphasized the unprecedented scale of the project and insisted that no time extensions would be granted unless absolutely justified by the contractor. Furthermore, he directed road agencies to overhaul their design review processes for the Suame Interchange, suggesting that technical sessions be held in single sittings or at temporary site facilities to eliminate the lengthy feedback processes that currently hamper progress.

These directives reflect a broader push by the Ministry of Roads and Highways to modernize project management through real-time adaptability and accountability. By demanding on-the-spot design reviews and threatening the replacement of non-performing consultants, Agbodza aims to bridge the gap between planning and execution. The Minister’s tour serves as a clear message to all stakeholders in the infrastructure sector: the current administration views the completion of these major corridors as a national priority that will not be compromised by administrative bottlenecks or professional negligence.