Volta region: Mr. Governs Kwame Agbodza, the Minister of Roads and Highways, has reiterated President John Dramani Mahama's dedication to infrastructure development, particularly emphasizing the road sector as a crucial element of the government's national development strategy.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Agbodza made these statements during a courtesy visit to the Volta Regional House of Chiefs. He outlined government initiatives and progress in rejuvenating halted road projects nationwide since President Mahama's return to office. The Minister revealed that President Mahama inherited a road sector portfolio valued at over GHS110 billion, with nearly 99 percent of contractors off-site due to non-payment of certified works.
"The issue was not the absence of projects but rather the lack of payment. Contractors had raised certificates, but without payment, they could not proceed with their work," Mr. Agbodza explained. He further stated that the President had instructed that no inherited road project should be terminated, regardless of which administration awarded the contract, emphasizing that these projects are intended for national development, not political ownership.
Mr. Agbodza disclosed that by December 31, 2025, the government, through the Ministry of Finance, had disbursed close to GHS7 billion to road contractors, most of whom were awarded contracts under previous administrations. "This reflects leadership that is nationalistic and development-oriented, rather than partisan," he noted.
The Minister elaborated on the President's road development program, which focuses on rehabilitating major trunk roads and strengthening feeder roads to enhance access to rural and peri-urban communities. He highlighted three key national corridors: The Western Corridor from Takoradi through Sawla to Wa; The Eastern Corridor from Tema through Hohoe, Jasikan, and Kpasa to Damongo; and The Central Corridor linking Accra through Kumasi to Tamale.
He pointed out that several sections of these routes had been previously awarded but stalled due to funding issues. These have now been incorporated into the government's flagship 'Big Push' Phase One Priority Projects, with the Accra-Adomi Bridge-Ho-Dzodze-Aflao Road identified as a major priority due to its importance for regional trade, tourism, and cross-border integration.
Mr. Agbodza urged traditional leaders and residents to actively monitor projects in their communities to ensure contractors do not abandon projects. He encouraged them to demand updates and hold contractors accountable. Ongoing and upcoming projects include the Accra-Ashaiman-Atimpoku Corridor, where delays had been caused by the failure to relocate utility services before contract awards.
He also mentioned the Motorway Extension to Central University, nearing renegotiation for continuation after previous stalling due to debt restructuring, and the Volivo Bridge Project, set to become one of the largest and most iconic bridges in the country, with advanced discussions ongoing with the Japanese Government.
Additional works are ongoing or planned for the Sege-Mefe Road, roads within the Ho Municipality, Anloga, Ketu North, Hohoe, Amedzofe, Sokode-Juapong, Abutia Teti-Dzakpo, Vakpo-Wusuta, Abor-Atsiavi, and various town and feeder roads across the region.
The Minister warned against frequent variations to awarded projects, noting that such changes often increase costs and delay completion. He emphasized the priority of making roads safe and motorable, with expansions or dual carriageways to be considered in the future.
The Volta Regional House of Chiefs praised President Mahama's efforts in the road sector and other areas, recognizing the government's fulfillment of key campaign promises and its strengthened engagement with traditional authorities. Mr. Agbodza assured the chiefs of the Ministry's continued openness to dialogue and collaboration to ensure that communities across the region benefit from improved road infrastructure.