Kwame Governs Agbodza, the Roads and Highways Minister-designate, appeared before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Monday, January 20, 2025.
His session tackled pressing issues in Ghana’s road infrastructure and outlined his vision for reform. Here are the five key takeaways:
1. Tech-Driven Road Tolls
Agbodza announced plans to reintroduce road tolls using advanced technology to replace outdated physical systems. He criticised the previous government’s decision to cancel tolls, arguing for modernisation instead of abolition.
2. GH₵113 Billion Debt Legacy
He revealed the staggering financial commitments left by the NPP government, including GH₵113 billion in road sector obligations and GH₵20 billion in unpaid certificates, with GH₵665 million in interest.
3. Focus on Abandoned Projects
Agbodza vowed to prioritise stalled road projects neglected due to political interference. He highlighted a drastic drop in road maintenance from 9,000 kilometres in 2017 to just 3,000 kilometres in 2023.
4. GH₵15 Billion Arrears Crisis
Raising alarm over GH₵15 billion in arrears, he warned of a destabilised road sector with contractors owed GH₵3 billion. Agbodza stressed the need for immediate reforms to curb delayed payments and mounting interest.
5. Revamping Contract Award Systems
He proposed a review of Ghana’s road contract awarding processes, pointing out inefficiencies that inflate costs by up to four times the budget. Agbodza advocated for stakeholder engagement to ensure transparency and accountability.
Agbodza’s vetting showcased his commitment to addressing Ghana’s road challenges through innovation, sustainability, and financial reform.