Roads Minister finds GH¢66 million project stalled after five months

Roads Minister Kwame Governs Agbodza discovered minimal progress on the Techiman–Wenchi road project. This occurred during a routine monitoring tour on Monday. The contractor received GH¢66 million in mobilisation funds late last year. Five months later, only surface vegetation clearing is complete. This lack of progress despite significant payment has caused considerable frustration. Minister Agbodza expressed his deep disappointment at the site.

“Look at this. Five months. Sixty-six million Ghana Cedis. What do we have? Surface clearing. No gravel, no drainage, no structure,” an agitated Minister Agbodza stated. He described the situation as “unacceptable. Absolutely unacceptable.” Mobilisation funds are an advance payment. They are intended to help contractors begin work quickly. Deputy Roads Minister Alfred Tuah-Yeboah emphasised this point. He said these funds are not a grant. They are meant to accelerate projects, not delay them. The contractor has been summoned to appear before the ministry. This meeting is set for Thursday, 7 May 2026. Failure to show capacity could lead to contract termination.

The delay impacts Ghana’s broader infrastructure development plans. President Akufo-Addo’s “Big Push” initiative aims to accelerate infrastructure projects. Minister Agbodza insisted that no individual would be allowed to derail this vision. He added that if the current contractor cannot perform, a new one will be appointed. The Bono East Regional Minister also voiced his unhappiness. He announced plans for regular, unannounced monitoring of all regional road projects. This aims to enforce accountability. Technical audits will also be conducted. These audits will prevent similar delays on ongoing projects.

Residents and road users along the Techiman–Wenchi–Sawla corridor have welcomed the minister’s intervention. They have expressed frustration over the prolonged delays. One trader noted, “They came, they cut the grass, and we thought work would start. That was months ago.” They hope the minister’s words will lead to concrete action. The ministry is expected to take further steps after the contractor’s appearance. All eyes are on whether the project will be reassigned or be completed under much stricter supervision. The outcome will influence the timeline for other infrastructure projects.