The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, has disclosed that the government is considering a proposal to allow residents to finance and undertake road construction in their communities with support from the state.

He said the proposal seeks to remove restrictions that prevent homeowners and residents from fixing roads in their neighbourhoods, even when they are willing and able to pay for the work.

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In a video shared on X and sighted by GhanaWeb Business on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, Ayariga explained that some residents had complained about the difficulties they encounter when trying to improve roads in their communities.

According to him, existing arrangements require residents to depend on the government to undertake such projects, while the cost of construction quoted to them is often prohibitively expensive.

"I have heard people complain several times about how they wanted to fix their roads. But the problem is that we, government, are standing in their way," he said.

He noted that residents who approach the authorities to undertake road projects are sometimes discouraged by the high costs involved.

"The bills that we bring them are prohibitive and that often discourages them from even trying," he added.

Ayariga argued that allowing residents to contribute towards fixing roads and drains in their communities could also increase the value of their properties.

He illustrated this with an example of a property valued at GH¢5 million, which could appreciate to GH¢8 million following improvements to roads and drainage systems in the neighbourhood.

"Even if you spend 100,000 as your contribution in fixing the roads in the entire neighbourhood, you are gaining more than two million in terms of the appreciation of your value," he explained.

The Minister said he had discussed the proposal with President John Dramani Mahama, who expressed support for the idea and encouraged him to develop a framework for its implementation.

He further disclosed that he had engaged the Land Use and Spatial Planning Authority (LUSPA), the Department of Urban Roads and other technical officers to help develop the proposal.

Ayariga said a team of young professionals with expertise in road engineering, surveying, information technology and urban development had also been assembled to work on the initiative.

He expressed optimism that the proposal would create an opportunity for communities to actively participate in improving their infrastructure while receiving the necessary support from the government.

Watch the video below

LIVE | Intercity Big Push Initiative: Why don’t we allow people to construct roads in their own neighbourhoods instead of waiting for the government to do everything? – Local Government Minister, Mahama Ayariga. https://t.co/HiFW4XMgru

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