The Vice President of Ghana, HE Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, has commended the Ministry of Roads and Highways for its ongoing efforts to expand and improve Ghana’s road infrastructure, describing the sector as central to national development and public wellbeing.
The Vice President made the remarks during a working visit to the Ministry of Roads and Highways Ghana where she was received by the Minister for Roads and Highways, Hon. Kwame Governs Agbodza, and senior officials of the ministry.
The visit formed part of a broader effort by the government to monitor the progress of key infrastructure projects and engage directly with institutions responsible for implementing development policies across the country.
Addressing staff of the ministry, the Vice President praised the dedication of engineers, administrators and technical staff who continue to work behind the scenes to improve the nation’s road network.
Professor Opoku Agyemang emphasized that the achievements recorded within the ministry reflect the collective contributions of many individuals, including those whose work is often not publicly visible.
She said that while some public officials may be more prominent in the execution of national projects, many others play essential roles that enable those successes to be achieved.
“The conclusion will be a group success. It is not only about the faces we know but also about the faces we do not see. There are many people who contribute to the work even though they may not be in the room when the successes are announced.”
Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang
According to her, recognizing the efforts of every contributor within government institutions is essential to sustaining progress in national development projects.
Women’s Month Recognition
The Vice President also used the occasion to acknowledge the contributions of women working within the ministry, noting that the visit coincided with activities marking Women’s Month.
She commended female professionals in the sector for their dedication and encouraged them to continue playing active roles in the development of Ghana’s infrastructure.
Professor Opoku Agyemang noted that the celebration of Women’s Month should be seen as an opportunity to appreciate the contributions of women across all sectors of society.
“When we say it is Women’s Month, it is also everybody’s month. Who here was not born by a woman? It reminds us that women play a central role in every aspect of our lives and in national development.”
Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang
Roads and National Development
The Vice President acknowledged the public’s strong expectations regarding the improvement of road infrastructure across the country. She said citizens often express concern about the condition of roads in their communities and the speed with which repairs or construction projects are completed.
According to her, these concerns are understandable because roads play a vital role not only in transportation but also in broader aspects of social and economic life.
“If you live on a road that produces dust every day, you begin to think about the effect it has on children living in the area. Roads do more than transport people. They affect health, education, and many other aspects of daily life.”
Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang
She therefore appealed to the public to exercise patience as the Mahama government works to address infrastructure challenges across the country.
Professor Opoku Agyemang reiterated comments previously made by President John Dramani Mahama that the scale of infrastructure development underway across Ghana reflects a nationwide effort to modernize the country.
She said the government’s development agenda involves major investments in roads and other public infrastructure, which means that many parts of the country currently resemble active construction zones.
“The President has said that the country is like a construction site, and in many ways that is exactly what we see,” she noted. While this level of development may require patience from citizens who use the roads daily, she stressed that the long term benefits will be significant.
Importance of Road Safety
The Vice President also highlighted the importance of road safety as part of the ministry’s infrastructure agenda. She referred to road improvement works around the University of Cape Coast including developments near the southern entrance of the campus and the road linking the OLA area to the university.
According to her, these projects are important for protecting the lives of students and other road users who travel through busy academic environments. She stressed that road infrastructure projects must always prioritize safety alongside accessibility and convenience.
Professor Opoku Agyemang urged the ministry to intensify public education on safe road use to reduce accidents and promote responsible behavior among motorists and pedestrians.
She noted that some road users take unnecessary risks by ignoring safety guidelines, which often leads to avoidable accidents. The Vice President also emphasized the importance of maintaining infrastructure once it has been built.
According to her, maintaining roads and related facilities is essential to ensure that the significant investments made by the state continue to deliver value over time. She said strengthening the country’s maintenance culture will help protect public resources and extend the lifespan of infrastructure projects.
Government Support for Infrastructure Development
The Vice President assured officials of the Ministry of Roads and Highways Ghana that the government stands ready to support the ministry in its efforts to expand the national road network.
She acknowledged the ministry’s concerns about funding requirements and staffing needs, stating that the government will continue to advocate for the resources necessary to sustain the infrastructure program.
“We want you to believe that we have your back. We will support you so that you can continue doing even more for our country.”
Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang
Professor Opoku Agyemang concluded her visit by encouraging ministry staff to maintain a strong sense of dedication and urgency in their work, noting that timely decisions and efficient administration are essential for the success of national development projects.
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