The Minister for Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza, has cautioned members of the newly inaugurated governing board of the Road Maintenance Trust Fund against mismanaging resources allocated to the institution.
Speaking at the board’s inauguration, he reminded members that the fund exists solely to enhance Ghana’s road network, not for personal or political gain.
“It is not a fund to fix your friends. It is not a fund to make your family happy. It is a fund to fix the roads in our country,” he cautioned.
Mr Agbodza explained that the ministry deliberately delayed disbursement of the 2025 allocation until the new board was constituted to promote transparency and collective oversight.
He noted that President Mahama established the restructured fund to improve accountability and ensure parliamentary oversight of resource allocation.
“Accountability must be upscaled,” he emphasised, highlighting the need for greater financial discipline and transparency.
The minister urged the board to prioritise payments to Small and Medium Contractors (SMCs), describing them as the backbone of routine road maintenance.
“They are the ones who weed the roadside, desilt culverts, and patch potholes,” he said, lamenting that many have not been paid since 2019 despite their crucial role.
Mr Agbodza stressed that SMCs must be placed at the top of the payment schedule under the new fund.
“We would encourage you to prioritise paying SMCs as against paying big contractors,” he affirmed, expressing optimism that some may receive payments before Christmas. “This narrative must change,” he added.
He commended the calibre of individuals appointed to the board, including engineers, surveyors, traditional leaders, representatives from the Attorney General’s Department and Parliament, and members of civil society.
“Ghana looks forward with great hope that under your tenure, we are going to see improvement,” he concluded before administering the oath of office.
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