The Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, has revealed that the government currently owes road contractors close to GH¢21 billion, a situation he describes as a major constraint on efforts to rehabilitate the country’s extensive road network.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, he explained that the Ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, is working to validate the debt and begin the process of settling it.

"At the time of transition, we were informed that the amount owed to contractors was about GH¢21 billion. So, you can imagine the scale of the problem we’re facing in terms of why contractors are not on site. At the same time, the government had contracted works worth over GH¢100 billion. That is why we have so many construction sites dotted around the country with contractors physically absent," he noted.

The roads minister explained that the debt burden, accumulated over several years, has made it critical for the government to rationalise its project portfolio.

“Such projects will be taken off the books, repackaged, and re-awarded,” he stated.

Governs Agbodza emphasised that the government is not only focused on clearing debts but is also committed to delivering on its "Big Push Agenda," which aims to expand and improve roads nationwide.

"We have completed the studies, designs, and cost estimates for all the first-phase Big Push projects. We are in the process of seeking the relevant approvals, as defined in the Public Financial Management Act, to commence those works starting this month," he added.

JKB/MA

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