The Minister for Roads and Highways, Hon. Governs Kwame Agbodza, has issued a strong warning to Delovely Constructed Limited, the contractor handling the 55-kilometre Bediako Junction to Camp to Sewi Adabokrom road project, to accelerate work within two months or risk losing the contract.
The Minister delivered the ultimatum during an inspection of the project, where he expressed deep dissatisfaction with the slow pace of work despite the contractor having access to the site for about five months.
According to Hon. Agbodza, progress on the project remains significantly below expectations and far behind schedule.
“This project, according to the engineer, should have been 20% completed by now. It should be approaching 20 percent of work done by now. We have done less than two percent. This is way below our expectations.”
Minister for Roads and Highways, Hon. Governs Kwame Agbodza
The Roads Minister explained that while some clearing work had been carried out along the over 50-kilometre stretch, there was little evidence of substantial construction activity. “There’s not much to see on the corridor, except we are going to see a clearing, which is way below,” he said.
Road Described as Vital for Local Communities
Hon. Agbodza stressed the importance of the road project to the economic and social well-being of communities in the area. He noted that the corridor serves farming communities and supports major agricultural activities whose success depends heavily on a reliable road network.
“You heard Nananom speaking. This is one of the very terrible roads on the corridor. A lot of agricultural activities and the livelihood of the people here depend on this road.”
Minister for Roads and Highways, Hon. Governs Kwame Agbodza
According to the Minister, President John Dramani Mahama’s broader vision for the project is to improve transportation access and support economic development in the region.
“The president’s vision is to make this road better, to lift the people out of poverty, to give meaning to their activities here,” he stated. Hon. Agbodza maintained that the government remains determined to ensure the project is completed despite the current delays.
Contractor Given Two Months to Improve
The Roads Minister made it clear that the government would not tolerate continued underperformance from contractors working on public infrastructure projects.
“We are giving this contractor two months to claw back the time up to over 20 percent, or consider this project terminated. We are not going to discuss any of this any further.”
Minister for Roads and Highways, Hon. Governs Kwame Agbodza
According to him, the contractor has been directed to bring the project back in line with the approved work programme within the two month period.
“Two months is what you have to bring the project up to the scope, the project programme, or we are not even going to talk to you. You just realise that another person is on site.”
Minister for Roads and Highways, Hon. Governs Kwame Agbodza
Hon. Agbodza stated that although he believes the contractor has the technical ability to execute the work, the current level of performance remains unacceptable.
Government Maintains 2027 Completion Target
Despite the setbacks, the Minister assured residents that the government remains committed to completing the road project by November 30, 2027.
“The assurance we can give you is that we are not intending to go beyond the 30th of November, 2027, completion timeline. Whether this contractor comes or not, we’ll find somebody to complete your project on that schedule.”
Minister for Roads and Highways, Hon. Governs Kwame Agbodza
Hon. Agbodza emphasised that the Ministry of Roads and Highways would not allow contractors to impose their own timelines on government projects. “We don’t use the contractor’s timelines. We use our timelines. The contractors work to our timeline, not their own,” he explained.
He further disclosed that there are more than 5,000 registered contractors seeking opportunities to work on government projects, making it possible to replace firms that fail to deliver. “So if you’re not ready to work, there’s somebody else looking for that opportunity,” he warned.
Residents Asked to Report Poor Performance
The Minister also encouraged residents and local leaders to report contractors who fail to meet expected standards. “The owners of the project are the vision bearers, but then you are the real beneficiary,” he told community members.
“So if you feel there’s a contractor who is not doing what you expect, don’t wait.” Hon. Agbodza pointed to the presence of the Regional Director of Highways during the inspection as proof that authorities are prepared to act on complaints about poor performance.
“If the contractor is not working, even if that person is my mother-in-law, take action. No one is above the law,” he declared. He stressed that political relationships or personal connections would not protect contractors who fail to execute projects according to standard requirements.
“The president never asked anybody to underperform. I don’t have any friend who I’ve asked to underperform. Everybody must work according to the standards that are set by the highways”.
Minister for Roads and Highways, Hon. Governs Kwame Agbodza
Officials Advised to Stay Firm
Hon. Agbodza further advised government officials not to become overly familiar with contractors, cautioning that excessive friendliness could affect effective supervision.
“If you become too friendly to the contractors, you’ll find it difficult to keep them in line,” he said. The Minister urged public officials to remain focused on delivering development projects rather than worrying about criticism or personal disagreements.
“My principle is I have a few enemies. Adding one more is not a problem for me. What you’ll be remembered for is that when you were regional minister, when you were MP here, this road was fixed.”
Minister for Roads and Highways, Hon. Governs Kwame Agbodza
He concluded by urging all stakeholders to prioritise the successful completion of the project for the benefit of residents and the wider economy. “Nobody makes enemies for doing the right thing forever. People will realise the reason you are doing it. So let’s get to work,” he said.
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