The Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, has strongly criticised Regional Ministers and District Chief Executives (DCEs) for failing to report road contractors who abandon projects or fail to execute their work to maximum expectations under the ongoing Government’s Big push agenda.
Addressing government officials during an engagement on road infrastructure, the Minister questioned why Regional Ministers and DCEs had remained silent despite witnessing contractors neglecting road projects in their jurisdictions.
“Regional Ministers, what I don’t understand is why you don’t report to me when road contractors are not working. Why are you afraid of offending them? If you can’t do that, then this job is not for you,” he stated.
Mr. Agbodza stressed that Regional Ministers and DCEs have a responsibility to closely monitor infrastructure projects within their areas and promptly inform the Roads and Highways Ministry whenever contractors fail to meet their contractual obligations.
He warned that protecting or failing to expose underperforming contractors undermines government’s efforts to improve the country’s road network and delays the delivery of critical infrastructure to communities.
The Minister further indicated that effective supervision and timely reporting by local government authorities are essential to ensuring contractors remain accountable and road projects are completed on schedule.
This renewed effort by the Ministry of Roads and Highways is to strengthen oversight of road projects and ensure value for public funds through improved monitoring and contractor accountability.
Author: Joyce Owusu
