The Ministry of Roads and Highways has refuted claims that the PTC Interchange project was abandoned because of outstanding payments owed to the contractor, labeling these assertions as inaccurate and a misrepresentation of the project’s facts.
In a statement, the Ministry clarified that the PTC Interchange is part of the Sinohydro Master Project Support Agreement, a partnership between the Government of Ghana and the People’s Republic of China.
According to the Ministry, The project officially commenced in December 2020, with an expected completion date initially set for June 2023.
“The attention of the Ministry of Roads and Highways has been drawn to a video about the PTC Interchange posted by Skyy Power 93.5fm on social media. The video indicates that the contractor is abandoning the project due to the government’s indebtedness to the company.
“Be that as it may, the Ministry wishes to address the issues raised in the video and put out the following facts about the PTC Interchange”.
Ministry of Roads and Highways
The Ministry added that the contractor’s decision to suspend work was directly impacted by financial constraints resulting from the government’s Debt Restructuring Program, which led to a pause in funding for several infrastructure projects.
This suspension, which began in December 2022, left the PTC Interchange Project at 80 percent completion, with several critical tasks remaining unfinished.
The Ministry indicated that in September 2024, due to ongoing delays, the contractor formally requested permission from the Ministry to dismantle the formwork for the 3-Tier Interchange structure.
This request, the Roads Ministry indicated, was driven by significant safety concerns, including theft of essential scaffolding materials, the deterioration of wooden formwork, and extensive corrosion in exposed iron rods.
The Ministry stated that according to the contractor, these issues posed structural risks, as the project materials had been left vulnerable over time due to a lack of progress.
The Ministry acknowledged these challenges and emphasized its commitment to addressing them to ensure that the PTC Interchange Project can safely resume and reach completion.
As such, the Ministry assured that efforts are underway to secure the necessary resources to bring the project to a successful close.
This, the statement indicated, reflects the government’s commitment to completing critical infrastructure despite financial and logistical setbacks.
Ministry Affirms Contractor’s Duty to Ensure PTC Interchange Site Safety
Additionally, the Ministry of Roads and Highways elaborated that, based on Clause 4.8 of the Conditions of Contract, the contractor holds primary responsibility for ensuring the safety of the construction site and safeguarding public welfare.
To comply with this clause and mitigate any potential risks, the Ministry granted permission to dismantle the formwork.
This decision was made to prevent possible accidents due to the deterioration of structural supports, theft of scaffolding materials, and corrosion of metal components, all of which posed safety hazards at the site.
“After the successful completion of the Debt Exchange Programme, the government, through the Ministry of Finance, is negotiating with each of our partners to get the contractors back on site and this includes the PTC Interchange Project”.
Ministry of Roads and Highways
The Ministry also highlighted that the government has recently secured agreements to resume construction on several major infrastructure projects, including Phase II of the Obetsebi Lamptey Interchange Project, the Tema-Akosombo Road Project, and the Tema-Aflao Road Project.
These efforts underscore the government’s dedication to revitalizing infrastructure development across the country and addressing any disruptions caused by the debt restructuring program.
Additionally, the Ministry provided reassurance to the residents of Sekondi-Takoradi and the general public that the government remains steadfast in its commitment to completing the PTC Interchange project.
The Ministry emphasized that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure that the project progresses smoothly and that delays are minimized.
This is aimed at delivering essential infrastructure that supports local and regional development, eases traffic congestion, and enhances overall transportation efficiency. “The government is exploring all funding options available to ensure the project’s timely completion”.
