Roads Minister Governs Agbodza Proposes Extended Contractor Liability Periods to Safeguard Public Infrastructure

The Minister for Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza, has initiated a push to reform road construction contracts by extending the standard one-year defect liability period for contractors and consultants. Speaking during a site inspection of the Accra-Kumasi N6 highway in September 2025, the Minister argued that the current twelve-month window is insufficient to hold firms accountable for the long-term quality of their work. This proposal aims to ensure that public investments in the nation’s road network result in durable infrastructure that withstands the test of time and environmental factors.

Agbodza emphasized that the government under President John Mahama is committed to high-quality engineering and responsible fiscal management. By lengthening the liability period, contractors would be legally required to rectify structural failures or surfacing issues that emerge well after the initial project completion. The Minister indicated that he is already engaging with his counterparts in the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Works and Housing to develop a revised framework for these contracts. He expressed strong confidence in the capabilities of Ghanaian engineers but stressed that this expertise must be matched by a rigorous accountability mechanism to prevent the premature deterioration of new roads.

In addition to these policy discussions, the Ministry has addressed recent reports regarding access issues on the N6 highway involving the church associated with Adom Kyei Duah. Kojo Danquah, a spokesperson for the Minister, clarified that Agbodza did not accuse the church of blocking the road, contrary to some recent headlines. According to the spokesperson, the claim regarding the blockage originated from the project contractor during the site visit, not the Minister. Video evidence from the inspection reportedly shows Agbodza instructing officials to facilitate better access for the church while ensuring that drainage and road safety standards are strictly maintained.

These developments highlight a dual focus for the Ministry: immediate project management and long-term systemic reform. By addressing both specific localized grievances and the broader contractual loopholes that allow for substandard work, the Ministry seeks to maximize the lifespan of Ghana's transport corridors. As the government continues its infrastructure drive, the proposed changes to liability periods are expected to set a new benchmark for the construction industry, compelling consultants and contractors to prioritize excellence and sustainability in every kilometer paved.