The Minister for Roads and Highways has called on contractors working on ongoing road projects to enter fresh negotiations with government to ensure timely completion. The appeal comes as authorities seek to reset project timelines and align costs with current fiscal realities.
He stressed that the renegotiation process forms part of strategy to complete stalled and ongoing works by 2027. The emphasis, according to him, is on collaboration that ensures delivery without undermining quality standards.
The Ghana Highway Authority has been directed to immediately begin structured consultations with contractors across all active sites. The move is expected to produce updated agreements that reflect current economic conditions and project demands.
The Minister noted that past economic pressures have determined the current approach to public contracts. He indicated that adjustments have become necessary following earlier fiscal constraints that affected payments across sectors.
Attention was drawn to the need for flexibility in discussions on project costs. Contractors were urged to recognise that all financial variations cannot automatically be transferred onto government obligations.
He indicated that the success of the process depends on mutual understanding between the state and contractors. Further emphasis was placed on the need for practical compromise during negotiations.
“So we will work with you, and then we want to encourage you to feel free, join the discussion, and bring on board your views as to how we will finish. This project must be finished by end of 2027.”
Hon. Governs Agbodza
Contractors were encouraged to be open to revised terms that ensure projects reach completion without further delays. The Minister maintained that termination of existing contracts is not the preferred route and argued that continuity remains the most cost effective option compared to restarting procurement processes.
The Minister explained that extensions will be considered to give contractors sufficient time to complete works. He added that such arrangements will be finalised through technical engagement with the Ghana Highway Authority before the end of the month.
Consultants Urged To Uphold Independence And Strict Professional Oversight In Road Projects
Consultants working on major road infrastructure have been urged to maintain independence and apply strict professional standards in the execution of their duties. The Minister for Roads and Highways emphasised that their role remains central to safeguarding quality and accountability.
He explained that consultants are engaged as third party monitors responsible for ensuring that contractors adhere strictly to approved designs. Their oversight, he noted, is essential in guaranteeing value for money in public infrastructure delivery.
The Minister expressed concern about arrangements where consultants appear closely tied to contractors in financial processes. He indicated that such relationships risk weakening scrutiny and reducing professional independence.
To address this, government has introduced a new structure separating consultancy payments from contractor certifications. The reform is intended to ensure clear accountability lines in project supervision.
Under the new system, consultants will submit independent certifications aligned with work progress reported by contractors. This is expected to strengthen verification processes across all road projects.
He further questioned existing dynamics where consultants appear constrained in their supervisory role.
The Minister clarified that consultants are expected to function strictly within their professional mandate. Their responsibility, he said, is to support implementation while maintaining oversight responsibilities.
He drew attention to the importance of independent assessment in public works delivery. Consultants were reminded that accurate certification is key to ensuring that payments reflect actual work done.
Government believes the reforms will improve transparency in the certification process. The Minister of Roads And Highways expects that the separation of roles will reduce conflicts of interest and strengthen public confidence in project delivery.
“Sometimes when I talk to some of you on site, you speak more like the contractor than for me. Then I say, ‘Ah, but I am the one paying you.’ But your defence position is as if you are defending yourself against me. So please be reminded that you are working as part of my team as consultants.”
Hon. Governs Agbodza
He added that their role is to guide contractors in line with approved bills of quantities and project designs.
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