The Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, has expressed disgust over the stalled progress of the Techiman–Sawla road project, warning contractors to deliver or risk termination of the contract.
The Minister gave the warning while conducting a site inspection with his deputy, Alhassan Sayibu Suhuyini to personally verify the status of the critical infrastructure.
The Minister observed during the visit that the clearing works appeared suspiciously recent and questioned the project manager about the actual timeline of activities on site. The project manager claimed that land clearing had commenced in April. This however, didn’t go down well with the Minister, promoting his anger.
The deputy Roads Minister, Alhassan Sayibu Suhuyini also expressed frustration over the absence of visible machinery and personnel on site.
Officials disclosed that the government had provided significant financial support to the contractor. Volta Impex received GH¢66.3 million as mobilization funds.
Agbodza described the situation as completely unacceptable, given the level of financial commitment. He noted that such a substantial payment should have resulted in visible progress.
Discussions during the visit revealed that the project remained far behind schedule. The Regional Director admitted that the project should have reached at least eight percent completion.
Minister Agbodza stated that the current physical progress did not correspond with the time elapsed. He ordered an immediate review of the contractor’s entire work programme.
He insisted that the company must demonstrate its capacity to complete the project. He emphasised that the ministry would not tolerate further excuses for the delays.
Deputy Minister Suhuyini explained that the contractors needed to understand that when Ministers express such concerns, it is due to the commitment and trust with which the projects were initiated.
He noted that many of the contractors had been handed over their sites long ago, adding that, on their way to the site, both he and the Minister were scandalized when they were informed that they were actually going to formally hand over the site to the contractor, which indicated that no work had been done at all.
Minister Agbodza stressed that partisan affiliations would not shield non-performing contractors. He maintained that the primary goal is the delivery of quality infrastructure for Ghanaians.
“Even if anybody comes to you to say he is a member of NDC and a contractor, tell him that when he is coming to do the work, it is not about his party membership,” the Minister stated angrily, while questioning the fairness of disbursing large sums in advance without corresponding results. He noted that the magnitude of the funds made the delay particularly unacceptable.
Agbodza immediately issued a formal summons to the leadership of Volta Impex, the Construction company on the project, directing the beneficial owners and the Chief Director to meet him.
The Minister stressed that this engagement would determine the future of the contract,
emphasizing that the government’s priority is the construction of durable roads and made it clear that political considerations would not override professional standards.
Kwame Governs Agbodza insisted that the beneficial owners appear in person, stating that he wants to hear directly from those responsible for the company’s operations.
The Ministry also seeks to verify whether the contractor has the necessary technical equipment, as reports indicate that the site camp is still under construction.
The Minister added that the state will recover funds if the project remains stalled and directed the Regional Director of Highways to be present at the meeting.
The Thursday meeting is expected to serve as a final opportunity for the contractor to provide explanations as the government is prepared to take legal action if necessary and may be taken if the contractor fails to perform, as termination of the contract remains a viable option.
“Their case is even worse because of the quantum of money they have taken. If it appears the contractor does not have the capacity to do the work, we terminate.”
The Adaklu MP reiterated that the lack of progress is evident and challenged the project manager on the credibility of the site reports, ordering a complete revision of the work programme within the week, demanding a new timeline that reflects accelerated progress.
He also expressed disappointment in the level of technical supervision. The Minister instructed the Director to reassess the situation objectively.
The road project remains a key component of the national infrastructure agenda, and Agbodza affirmed his commitment to safeguarding public funds..
The Ministry plans to conduct additional unannounced inspections across road projects as the Minister aims to ensure that all mobilization funds are properly utilized.