He said the projects had come to a standstill as a result of unsustainable levels of contract awards by the previous government without regard for the availability of funds.

“The previous government awarded road projects without regard for the availability of funds,” he said.

In a statement issued in Accra yesterday, Mr. Agbodza, however, gave the assurance that the government was taking steps to resume major projects, such as the 33.4-kilometre Ofankor-Nsawam Road Dualisation.

“We will do this as part of a big push to prioritise their completion. We are working with the Minister of Finance to raise some funds to retire some of the debt and get the contractor back on site,” he said.

The minister was responding to concerns raised by the Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana (C-DAG) over the stalled Ofankor-Nsawam road project.

C-DAG, in a statement issued yesterday and signed by its National Secretary, Mohammed Aminu Usif, called on the Ministry of Roads and Highways to urgently resume and speed up construction works on the Ofankor-Nsawam dualisation project.

It said the project had become a serious hazard to both commercial and private road users.

“We have observed with disappointment the prolonged delay and neglect of construction efforts on this crucial stretch.

“As drivers and transport operators who use this route daily, we are gravely affected by its poor state,” the statement said.

“The road is barely motorable, damaging our vehicles, putting lives at risk, and disrupting our daily business operations.

“In light of this, the association is issuing a four-day ultimatum to the Ministry of Roads and Highways to resume active work on the Ofankor-Nsawam highway.

“Failure to comply will leave us with no option but to stage a peaceful but decisive demonstration to demand urgent action.

“This is not a threat but a plea born out of frustration and necessity.”

The association stressed that it believed the government had a duty to provide safe, reliable infrastructure for the people and could not continue to ignore their concerns.

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The meeting, which took place earlier today, forms part of the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance connectivity and transport efficiency across the country.

Key areas of focus during the engagement included the reintroduction of road tolls, technical support for effective road contract management, and the de-capping of the Road Fund to ensure stable financing for road maintenance.

Additionally, budgetary provisions for the Kumasi Urban Mobility and Accessibility Project (KUMAP) were discussed, along with other priority projects under the Ministry’s portfolio.

Minister Agbodza emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to road maintenance throughout the year, stressing the importance of preserving existing infrastructure while advancing new developments.

He also highlighted the crucial role of international partnerships, particularly with institutions like the World Bank, in achieving the Ministry’s objectives.

The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to delivering 12 major road projects as part of the “BIG PUSH” initiative, a key component of President John Dramani Mahama’s vision to enhance road interconnectivity across the nation.

The initiative aims to close infrastructure gaps and promote inclusive development in both urban and rural areas.

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The Minister emphasised that ongoing projects would be completed to ensure improved connectivity and infrastructure development in the region.

As part of the tour, Mr. Agbodza inspected several key road projects, including the Tepa (Mabang) – Goaso Road, the Benchema Barrier – Juaboso Road, and the Nsawora – Sefwi Wiawso Road Bridge.

He noted that these projects were critical for economic growth and access to essential services, pledging to expedite their completion while ensuring value for money.

He reiterated the government’s dedication to delivering quality road infrastructure nationwide, stressing that transparency and efficiency remained top priorities.

The Minister assured stakeholders that all necessary resources would be allocated to complete the projects within the stipulated timelines.

Mr. Agbodza was accompanied by a team of engineers and officials from the Ministry of Roads and Highways, the Ghana Highways Authority, and the Department of Feeder Roads.

The delegation assessed the progress of the projects and engaged with local authorities to address concerns related to road construction and maintenance.

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He emphasized the need for continuous grading and watering of the stretch to provide relief to motorists who have been enduring difficult conditions.

His directive follows numerous complaints from drivers about the deteriorating state of the road and the slow pace of work on the project. Many road users have expressed frustration over the inconvenience and delays caused by the ongoing construction.

Speaking to the media during an inspection of the project on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, Mr. Agbodza assured the public that the government is committed to securing the necessary funding to complete the road.

He acknowledged the country’s financial constraints but reaffirmed the administration’s determination to see the project through.

“The President is committed to completing all ongoing projects, provided the fiscal space and financing can be secured by the Finance Minister. As highlighted at the economic forum, we are not in a favorable financial position. Nonetheless, we remain dedicated to completing this priority project,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the Project Manager, Ing. Abdulai Mahama, attributed the delays in completion to several challenges, including compensation disputes, utility relocations, and legal battles.

He explained that some affected property owners, particularly around the Amasaman two-tier interchange, have contested the valuation of their properties, leading to delays in compensation payments.

Additionally, Ing. Mahama revealed that approximately 80 court cases related to land and compensation issues are currently being addressed by the contractor and the Ghana Highway Authority.

These legal hurdles, combined with logistical challenges, have contributed to the project’s slow progress.

Despite these obstacles, both the government and contractors remain committed to ensuring the road is completed and made fully accessible to motorists as soon as possible.

“Some issues we have faced, especially around Amasaman where we have the two-tier interchange, is that we have some compensations. The consultant valued the properties along the interchange, but it is being challenged by a section of the affected claimant. Also, we have the court cases. There are about 80 court cases that are being taken care of by the contractor and the Ghana Highway Authority,” he stated.

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The committee includes representatives from National Security, Private Haulage Operators, the Ghana Highway Authority, the Ministry of Transport, and the Ghana Standards Authority.

It has been tasked with identifying operational challenges, assessing regulatory violations, and providing recommendations for reforms.

The overloading of heavy cargo vehicles has been cited as a major cause of premature road deterioration and increased traffic accidents.

By addressing these concerns, the Ministry aims to enhance road safety and ensure pavements last their intended lifespan.

The government has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling overloading and improving the sustainability of road infrastructure.

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Appearing before the committee investigating the chaos on Wednesday, February 5, Agbodza clarified that Ablakwa’s vetting had been scheduled for January 30.

However, the session was disrupted after nominees originally set for Wednesday, January 29, could not be vetted due to the unexpected appearance of social activist Oliver Barker-Vormawor.

He explained that tensions escalated on January 30 when the Majority insisted on proceeding with the vetting, despite the Minority’s objections.

The Minority, citing a lack of proper consultation, opposed the vetting of Ablakwa and Health Minister-designate Kwabena Mintah Akandoh. This standoff ultimately led to the suspension of four MPs, a decision later reversed by Speaker Alban Bagbin on February 4.

Dismissing claims of a last-minute arrangement, Kwame Agbodza insisted that Ablakwa’s appearance was planned in advance and not an attempt to bypass parliamentary procedures.

“I know Hon. Ablakwa wanted to be vetted a week before the incident happened. They couldn’t give him the opportunity to be vetted. So, originally, Hon. Ablakwa was supposed to be vetted on Thursday, January 30, so if anybody says Hon. Ablakwa was smuggled in on Thursday, that is not true,” Agbodza stated.

Agbodza further explained that the committee decided to carry forward five nominees from January 29, who were vetted alongside the three originally scheduled for January 30.

“The spillover from Wednesday, January 29, 2025, where five nominees originally were scheduled to be vetted, were added to the three. We had a situation of three plus five. That decision had to be made by the committee and have some leeway.

“If anyone says, we were originally to vet three, we give in and make it four and somebody is trying to make it five, that is not entirely the situation. The situation was the Appointments Committee elected not to vet on Wednesday, and they had made people know that there will be vetting of 8 people.”

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The Adaklu Member of Parliament shared his commitment on Facebook ahead of his official swearing-in ceremony on Wednesday, 22 January.

“I pledge to work hard to justify this trust,” Mr. Agbodza wrote, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve in such a pivotal role.

He thanked President John Dramani Mahama for the confidence reposed in him, saying, “I am deeply honored and humbled by this high privilege and the confidence placed in me by His Excellency the President. My sincere appreciation goes to him.”

The Minister also acknowledged the support of Parliament, including the Appointments Committee and his colleagues in the plenary.

“I extend my gratitude to members of the Appointments Committee for their constructive assessment and to my colleagues in the plenary for their subsequent approval. I am fully aware of the responsibility entrusted to me in leading the vision of His Excellency the President in the roads sector,” he stated.

As the outgoing Majority Chief Whip, Mr. Agbodza will now pass on this parliamentary leadership role to Nelson Defeamekpor, MP for South Dayi.

Reflecting on the task ahead, he reaffirmed his dedication to his new role, saying, “As I prepare to take office, I will continue to count on your prayers and support. I commit to serving diligently and keeping my doors open for feedback.”

Mr. Agbodza concluded by expressing optimism about the future. “Together, we will make significant contributions towards advancing the vision of His Excellency the President to reset Ghana and rebuild our infrastructure. Thank you,” he emphasized.

His appointment forms part of the first batch of ministers sworn in by President Mahama, marking a key step in the administration’s efforts to revitalize the country’s development.

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According to him, this will allow them to generate sufficient income, as MPs’ salaries are not enough to cover the various daily expenses that come with the role.

“My advice is, before you become a full-time politician, get a day job that you can continue even while serving as a politician,” he said in response to a question from Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin about his advice to Ghanaian youth who aspire to follow in his footsteps.

Agbodza explained, “In my own life, the resources I spend in my constituency largely do not come from my political salary. As you know, our salary, which I show to people in my constituency, is GHS 15,000. After a weekend of attending funerals and community events, I would have spent that entire amount. The rest of what I use comes from my consultancy work and other small ventures.”

He continued, “So, my advice to young people who want to enter politics is to first secure a sustainable day job. Perhaps, it will be easier to establish a profession before you enter politics.”

Agbodza has been the MP for Adaklu in the Volta Region since 2013 and works as a consultant in the construction field.

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Kwame Governs Agbodza expressed that the country has not been fair to Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu for the lack of completion of the Suame Interchange, especially considering the long service he has rendered to the nation.

This response came after a question posed by the MP for Okaikoi Central, Patrick Boamah, regarding the strategy Agbodza would adopt to handle abandoned road projects, particularly interchanges.

The MP for Adaklu and Minister nominee for Roads and Highways emphasized that there are numerous outstanding debts, but he intends to work with the relevant bodies to complete these projects.

He acknowledged the sector’s challenges, stating that while he was not enthusiastic about the debt situation, he would not give up but would seek solutions to address the problems.

He revealed that the sector faces a total raised certificate debt of GHS 35 billion.

In his statement to the Appointments Committee of Parliament, he assured that he would work to ensure timelines are met, delays are minimized, and quality projects are delivered.

He also mentioned that road tolls would be reintroduced but with enhanced technology to address delays and road jams caused by toll pavilions.

Regarding the previous government’s hasty cancellation of road tolls, Mr. Agbodza described it as “an act of illegality” and emphasized that the tolls must be reinstated.

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On Monday, August 26, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo officially launched the project, which aims to upgrade the motorway into a modern 10-lane highway.

The Minority’s spokesperson on infrastructure, Governs Agbodza, expressed concerns that the expansion is beginning under unclear circumstances, similar to other stalled government projects like Agenda 111 and various housing initiatives.

“Parliament approved only $339 million in Multi-Year funding for this project. We did not approve $660 million. No one has the authority to commit the country to future spending on the project without Parliament’s approval,”Agbodza stated.

The expansion project, spanning 27.7 kilometers, is intended to reduce traffic congestion and improve safety.

It will be carried out in three phases: the first phase focuses on rehabilitating the motorway, the second on upgrading the George Walker Bush Highway, and the third on enhancing the Nsawam Road.

Below is Agbodza’s full statement

ACCRA-TEMA MOTORWAY PROJECT-PARLIAMENT DID NOT APPROVE $660m

1. The NDC is not against improving the Accra-Tema Motorway. Indeed, we support the principles behind the project and demonstrated same in the past. But will not shirk our responsibility to ensure value for money and accountability.

2. ⁠Parliament ONLY approved $339m Multi-Year funding for the project. We did not approve $660m. No one has the right to commit the country to future spending on the project without approval from Parliament.

3. ⁠The source of funding for the project is NOT SUSTAINABLE. The NPP is claiming the source of funds for the project is Mahama’s Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF). The NPP said the same thing about how they were going to fund the so-called Agenda 111, housing projects etc. We all know the status of Agenda 111, etc today . The NPP has collapsed the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF). Unlike the past when GIIF backed projects that are self-financing and sustainable, such as Kotoka Airport Terminal 3 etc, the NPP incompetently invested the funds in unproductive ventures like SKYTRIAIN, PULLMAN HOTEL etc.

4. In any case, why is NPP not explaining why they cancelled the contract between the Road Ministry and Morta Engils and why they paid $2.5 million towards that unwholesome contract?

5. The government currently OWES ROAD CONTRACTORS ABOUT GH¢15BILLION for works completed and certified and NOT PAID FOR.

Currently, the government cannot even fund the payment of salaries, pay Statutory Funds to District Assemblies, NHIA, GETFund, etc. What is the point of cutting sod for $338 million project 3 months before you are booted out of office? IT IS PROPAGANDA FOR VOTES . Ghanaians will not fall for this . NPP, NOT AGAIN.

Source: Adomonline

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Speaking at the John Mahama campaign tour in Adaklu in the Volta Region, Mr Agbodza emphasized the NDC’s commitment to ensuring the election’s integrity.

He referenced the 2020 election violence, which resulted in eight fatalities, and warned against a repeat in 2024.

Mr Agbodza criticized Dr. Acheampong’s alleged comments about rigging the elections, saying, “We won’t tolerate any actions that could undermine the election’s integrity.”

“The current commander-in-chief appears to lose control to the extent that miscreants in his government are threatening the peace and security of this country. I am talking about my colleague in parliament Bryan Acheampong threatening that the sea will burn because they are going to try to rig the elections.

“I have a simple message for you my colleague just as you have been defeated in the hostile takeover of the hotels belonging to SSNIT, you will surely fail if you attempt to use force to do anything,” he said.

Mr Agbodza expressed confidence in the NDC flagbearer’s victory and warned against attempts to hold onto power.

He emphasized the importance of peaceful elections and the need for all parties to respect the democratic process.

“This is Adaklu, you dare not try anything on the life of any Ghanaian, you cannot threaten Ghanaians, your party will lose and you be the first to run away. President Mahama will win and President Akufo-Addo will have to hand over to him and your party has no business trying to hold on to power.

“If you are a security personnel or anyone being trained at least the boundary of the Volta region before you cross with that mindset, be prepared that it is self-defence, and you might become the victim, this is a promise, it is not a threat,” he added.

Source: Adomonline

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