No more excuses: Fix our roads on time

The warning issued by the Minister for Roads and Highways, Mr Governs Kwame Agbodza yesterday, to contractors who delay road projects is both timely and necessary.

Across the country, many critical road works have dragged on for years, turning vital infrastructure projects into sources of frustration for commuters, businesses and communities. Ghanaians are tired of excuses.

It is therefore refreshing that the minister has made it clear that delays will no longer be tolerated.

His insistence that contractors who fail to meet agreed timelines risk termination is not only appropriate but long overdue.

Road infrastructure is central to national development.

From the Tema-Ho highway to the Eastern Corridor routes, Ofanko-Nsawam, these projects serve as lifelines that connect markets, ease transportation and support economic growth.

Every delay comes at a cost, increased travel time, higher transport fares, damage to vehicles and, in some cases, accidents.

The Ghanaian Times has consistently argued that the challenge is not always funding, but weak enforcement of contracts and poor supervision.

If, as the minister indicates, government is meeting its financial obligations, then contractors must equally deliver on their commitments.

The minister’s observation that some contractors are making steady progress under the same conditions while others lag behind is revealing.

It points to issues of capacity and commitment within the sector.

The decision to prevent contractors from taking on new projects until they complete existing ones is a step in the right direction.

It should help reduce the practice of abandoning projects midway.

Equally commendable is the ministry’s renewed focus on monitoring.

Inspection tours, such as the one undertaken in the Eastern, Volta and Oti regions, are critical in ensuring accountability.

The improved performance of Ussuya Ghana Limited demonstrates that with supervision and effort, progress can be made.

However, the revelation that about 28 kilometres of road on the Eastern Corridor must be redone due to poor workmanship is deeply troubling.

It is unacceptable that taxpayers’ money should be wasted on substandard work.

Beyond terminating contracts, those responsible must be held accountable to deter future occurrences.

The minister’s commitment to addressing challenges such as utility relocations and right-of-way constraints is also commendable.

Effective coordination among stakeholders is essential to prevent unnecessary delays. At the same time, residents affected by road projects must cooperate to ensure timely completion.

Ultimately, the success of the government’s “Big Push” initiative will depend on execution.

Announcements alone will not deliver roads; discipline, enforcement and accountability will.

The Ghanaian Times urges the Ministry of Roads and Highways to match words with action.

Contractors who perform should be rewarded, while those who fail must be sanctioned without hesitation.

Ghana deserves quality roads delivered on time. The era of delays must end.

Contractors must deliver or lose the contract.

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