Gov’t to release GH¢4bn by end of July to revive stalled road projects – Roads Minister

The government is to release GH¢4 billion by the end of July 2025 to settle arrears owed to road contractors, the Minister of Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza has said.

Speaking at a government press briefing dubbed, "Government Accountability Series" in Accra on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, Mr Agbodza said the move is aimed at reviving more than 1,000 road projects that have stalled across the country due to delayed payments.

“One of the biggest bottlenecks in our sector has been the inability to pay contractors on time, even after issuing certificates. This GH¢4 billion clearance is aimed at bringing contractors back on site,” he said.

According to Mr Agbodza, the announcement follows a recent nationwide inspection by the Ministry, which found inconsistencies between earlier reported figures and the actual state of road infrastructure under the previous administration.

“It was difficult to see even 1,000 kilometres of roads in good condition in one place, let alone the 10,800 kilometres claimed previously,” he said.

He explained that many of the abandoned projects were not only a result of funding delays but also due to procurement challenges and a shortage of qualified technical staff to oversee construction.

Mr Agbodza noted that several awarded contracts remain untouched, either because contractors left site after long delays in payment or failed to mobilise at all.

“We will no longer tolerate the uncontrolled award of contracts. Going forward, no project will start without a clear funding source and budgetary allocation,” he added.

The GH¢4 billion to be released will go mainly to projects under the government’s Big Push initiative, which is expected to support the 24-hour economy by improving transport infrastructure and reducing the cost of moving goods across the country.

Mr. Agbodza also disclosed that several new projects, including the Dambai Bridge, the Wa-Bolgatanga road, and outer ring roads in Kumasi and Tamale, are set to begin within three weeks, following financial approval from the Ministry of Finance.

“This is not a political promise. These projects have gone through proper costing, engineering studies, and now have commencement authorisations from the Ministry of Finance,” he said.

Contractors are expected to return to the site as soon as the arrears are paid.

The government hopes that the move will help improve road conditions across the country and ease the difficulties many communities face due to poor infrastructure.