Credit: Kekeli K. Blamey
Minister-designate for Roads and Highways, Governs Agbodza, has expressed concern over the unsustainable approach to honoring commitments to road contractors in Ghana.
Speaking during his vetting session by Parliament, Mr Agbodza stated that contractors are owed significant amounts, but the interest payments on these debts are ballooning, with some contractors facing interest payments of GH¢665 million on debts of GH¢113 million.
Agbodza described the situation as “not sustainable” and emphasized the need for reform. He argued that the current approach is not providing value to Ghana or the contractors and is instead wasting money.
In a related development, Mr Agbodza criticized the Akufo-Addo government’s decision to cancel road tolls, labeling it “illegal.”
He argued that the cancellation was done without proper legal process, despite the toll system being backed by law.
Agbodza announced plans to reinstate the road toll system in a new form, utilizing technology to ensure a fair and seamless toll collection process.
This move, according to him aims to address concerns of road users while providing sustainable funding for road infrastructure.
The minister-designate’s comments come amid concerns over the financial strain faced by road contractors in Ghana. Some contractors are owed amounts as high as GH¢5,000, and the cancellation of the toll system has left them in a difficult position.
