Roads Minister Governs Kwame Agbodza Proposes Extended Liability Periods and Faster Design Approvals to Enhance Infrastructure Quality

Minister for Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza, has initiated a major push to reform Ghana’s road construction standards, calling for an extension of the mandatory defect liability period for contractors and consultants. Speaking during a series of site inspections, including the Accra-Kumasi N6 highway and the Suame Interchange project in late September 2025, the Minister argued that the current one-year liability timeframe is insufficient to safeguard the nation's substantial investments in infrastructure. By lengthening this period, the government aims to ensure that contractors remain accountable for the durability and quality of their work long after project completion.

Central to these reforms is a plan to engage the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Works and Housing to formally adjust contract terms. Minister Agbodza emphasized that it is no longer acceptable for public funds to be spent on roads that deteriorate shortly after the standard one-year warranty expires. He expressed strong confidence in the technical expertise of Ghanaian engineers but insisted that professional capability must be matched by a rigorous commitment to delivering resilient infrastructure. This shift in policy is designed to incentivize higher construction standards and reduce the long-term maintenance burden on the state.

Beyond accountability, the Minister is also addressing systemic delays in project execution by directing road agencies to streamline their administrative processes. During his inspection of the Suame Interchange, Agbodza criticized the slow feedback loop between contractors, consultants, and regulatory bodies regarding design approvals. To mitigate these bottlenecks, he proposed that design review meetings be held in a single session with all stakeholders present to resolve technical issues immediately. Furthermore, he suggested establishing temporary on-site facilities to facilitate direct, face-to-face discussions, ensuring that designs are practical and responsive to real-world site conditions.

The Minister’s proactive approach has garnered praise from industry players, including renowned road contractor Kofi Gyebi Job. Job commended the Minister’s frequent, unannounced site visits, noting that such hands-on monitoring compels contractors to adhere strictly to quality specifications and project timelines. As the Ministry moves forward with these reforms, the focus remains on transforming Ghana’s road sector into a more efficient, transparent, and quality-driven industry that provides lasting value for taxpayers and improves national connectivity.