Parliament has begun deliberations on the Road Maintenance Trust Fund Bill, 2025, presented under a certificate of urgency by the Minister for Roads and Highways, Hon. Kwame Governs Agbodza, to address the worsening state of roads across Ghana.
The Bill, which was read for the first time, was immediately referred by the Rt Hon Speaker to the Committee on Roads and Transportation for consideration in accordance with constitutional and parliamentary procedures.
“The proposed legislation aims to establish the Road Maintenance Trust Fund to provide reliable and long-term financing for the maintenance and rehabilitation of public roads, bridges, and associated infrastructure throughout the country”
Hon. Kwame Governs Agbodza, Minister for Roads and Highways
According to the Ministry of Roads and Highways, the Fund will fill critical gaps in the current Road Fund Act, 1997, correcting legal anomalies while meeting the growing demands of road maintenance.
In a meeting held between the Committee and the Ministry, details of the proposed Bill were examined thoroughly. The Ministry emphasized the significance of creating “a dedicated mechanism,” to consistently support the nation’s road infrastructure, which remains central to economic growth and public safety.
“The deteriorated condition of many roads across the country poses immediate threats to public safety, impeding economic activities, and escalating road maintenance costs”
Ministry of Roads and Highways
The Committee acknowledged the urgency of the Ministry of Roads and Highways’ presentation and recognised that any delays in securing financing mechanisms would deepen the infrastructure deficit and increase future rehabilitation costs.
The report presented by the Committee on Roads and Transportation declared that the Bill’s timely passage was essential to prevent further deterioration and allow for immediate interventions.
Comprehensive Legal Framework
The Road Maintenance Trust Fund Bill, 2025, consists of “57 clauses,” that outline the structure, administration, sources of funding, and mechanisms for transparency and accountability in the use of the funds.
It builds a framework for “operationalising road maintenance financing that is efficient, sustained, and well-governed.” This legal architecture is designed to ensure that road repairs and upgrades are not hindered by budgetary constraints or fragmented funding sources.
The Ministry noted that current road maintenance efforts are heavily constrained by limited resources, inconsistent inflows, and competing budgetary priorities. A statutory trust fund, as outlined in the Bill, is seen as a “sustainable solution that will enable strategic planning and timely maintenance actions,” across the national road network.
“Given the pressing need to address deteriorating road conditions and ensure the safety and reliability of the national road network, the Committee finds the rationale for invoking the certificate of urgency to be well-founded”
Committee on Roads and Transportation
The Committee emphasised that considering the Bill under a certificate of urgency would enable its passage before the House adjourns, allowing the Ministry to commence vital repair projects. It recommended that the Bill be taken through all stages in a single day, in line with Article 106(13) of the 1992 Constitution and Standing Order 160.
In concluding the Committee stressed that the swift implementation of the Road Maintenance Trust Fund would improve road safety, enhance transportation efficiency, and contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s socio-economic development.
The Committee’s report was signed by Chairman Hon Isaac Adjei Mensah and Senior Assistant Clerk Ayisha Salifu, recommending to the House the adoption of the Bill under the certificate of urgency.
The Ministry of Roads and Highways remains confident that the establishment of the Trust Fund will lay a strong foundation for long-term road infrastructure improvement. The Committee’s endorsement has set the stage for the Bill to move swiftly through Parliament in line with national interests.
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