Governs Kwame Agbodza promises prompt payments for Big Push road projects

Minister of Roads and Highways Governs Kwame Agbodza has given a firm assurance to contractors under the government’s "Big Push" Road Infrastructure programme that they will receive prompt payments for their work. Speaking during a monitoring tour of road projects in the Bono Region, the Minister emphasized that the era of protracted payment delays, which previously spanned two to three years, has come to an end under the administration of President John Mahama. He stated that the government has secured the necessary funding to ensure that once a project is certified, the contractor is paid without unnecessary hurdles.

The Minister’s remarks followed an inspection of several key infrastructure developments, including the Sunyani-Atronie-Acherensua Road and the Sunyani Outer Ring Road projects. During the visit, Mr. Agbodza expressed satisfaction with the quality and pace of work observed so far. He encouraged the various construction firms to maintain their momentum to ensure timely completion. In particular, the CEO of Alexiboam Company Limited, the firm handling the Sunyani-Atronie-Acherensua project, informed the Minister that despite initial delays caused by bridge construction, the company is now on track to complete the road ahead of its original schedule.

Agbodza highlighted that the shift toward more efficient payment cycles is a deliberate policy to prevent the financial distress that often cripples local construction firms. However, he accompanied this assurance with a stern warning against subpar work. He noted that while the government is committed to fulfilling its financial obligations, contractors must also adhere strictly to engineering specifications and quality standards. The Minister stressed that only work that meets the required certification standards would trigger the promised prompt disbursements, ensuring that the taxpayer receives value for money in the national infrastructure drive.

The "Big Push" programme remains a cornerstone of the Mahama administration's strategy to bridge the infrastructure gap and stimulate economic activity through improved connectivity. By addressing the historical bottleneck of payment arrears, the Ministry of Roads and Highways aims to restore confidence in the sector and accelerate the delivery of critical transport corridors. As the government continues to roll out these projects, the focus remains on building a resilient road network that supports trade and social development across Ghana's regions.