The Minister for Roads and Highways, Honourable Kwame Governs Agbodza, has expressed concern over the stalled progress of the Techiman–Sawla road project.
He conducted a site inspection with his deputy, Alhassan Sayibu Suhuyini to personally verify the status of the critical infrastructure.
During the visit, the Minister observed that the clearing works appeared suspiciously recent. He questioned the project manager about the actual timeline of activities on site.
The project manager claimed that land clearing had commenced in April. However, Kwame Governs Agbodza rejected this assertion, noting that the land appeared freshly disturbed.
Accompanying the Minister was his Deputy, Alhassan Sayibu Suhuyini, who also expressed frustration over the absence of visible machinery and personnel on site.
Officials disclosed that the government had provided significant financial support to the contractor. Volta Impex received GH¢66.3 million as mobilization funds.
Honourable Governs described the situation as completely unacceptable, given the level of financial commitment. He noted that such a substantial payment should have resulted in visible progress.
Discussions during the visit revealed that the project remained far behind schedule. The Regional Director admitted that the project should have reached at least eight percent completion.
Honourable Agbodza stated that the current physical progress did not correspond with the time elapsed. He ordered an immediate review of the contractor’s entire work programme.
He insisted that the company must demonstrate its capacity to complete the project. He emphasised that the ministry would not tolerate further excuses for the delays.
The Deputy Minister, Honourable Suhuyini explained that the contractors needed to understand that when Ministers express such concerns, it is due to the commitment and trust with which the projects were initiated.
He noted that many of the contractors had been handed over their sites long ago.
He added that, on their way to the site, both he and the Minister were scandalized when they were informed that they were actually going to formally hand over the site to the contractor, which indicated that no work had been done at all.
Honourable Governs stressed that partisan affiliations would not shield non-performing contractors. He maintained that the primary goal is the delivery of quality infrastructure for Ghanaians.
“Even if anybody comes to you to say he is a member of NDC and a contractor, tell him that when he is coming to do the work, it is not about his party membership.”
Honourable Agbodza
Honourable Agbodza questioned the fairness of disbursing large sums in advance without corresponding results. He noted that the magnitude of the funds made the delay particularly unacceptable.
Minister Summons Volta Impex Owners For Emergency Meeting
The Minister for Roads and Highways, Honourable Kwame Governs Agbodza, has intensified his stance against project delays, focusing on the mismanagement of the Techiman–Sawla road construction.
Kwame Governs Agbodza issued a formal summons to the leadership of Volta Impex, directing the beneficial owners and the Chief Director to meet him.
The meeting is scheduled for Thursday at eight o’clock at the Ministry. The Minister stressed that this engagement would determine the future of the contract.
He emphasised that the government’s priority is the construction of durable roads and made it clear that political considerations would not override professional standards.
Kwame Governs Agbodza insisted that the beneficial owners appear in person, stating that he wants to hear directly from those responsible for the company’s operations.
The Ministry also seeks to verify whether the contractor has the necessary technical equipment, as reports indicate that the site camp is still under construction.
The Minister added that the state will recover funds if the project remains stalled and directed the Regional Director of Highways to be present at the meeting.
The Thursday meeting is expected to serve as a final opportunity for the contractor to provide explanations.
Kwame Governs Agbodza stated that the government is prepared to take legal action if necessary and may be taken if the contractor fails to perform. Termination of the contract remains a viable option.
“Their case is even worse because of the quantum of money they have taken. If it appears the contractor does not have the capacity to do the work, we terminate.”
Honourable Agbodza
Honourable Governs Agbodza reiterated that the lack of progress is evident and challenged the project manager on the credibility of the site reports.
He ordered a complete revision of the work programme within the week, demanding a new timeline that reflects accelerated progress.
The Minister also expressed disappointment in the level of technical supervision. The Minister instructed the Director to reassess the situation objectively.
The road project remains a key component of the national infrastructure agenda, and Honourable Kwame Governs Agbodza affirmed his commitment to safeguarding public funds..
The Ministry plans to conduct additional unannounced inspections across road projects. Honourable Agbodza aims to ensure that all mobilization funds are properly utilized.
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