The Deputy Minister Designate for Roads and Highways Hon. Alhassan Suhuyini has appeared before the Vetting Committee, where he addressed critical questions concerning the country’s road infrastructure, prioritization, and funding strategies.
Throughout his vetting, he demonstrated a firm commitment to working closely with the Minister of Roads and Highways to ensure the expansion and rehabilitation of roads across Ghana.
During the vetting, Hon. Suhuyini was asked whether the Ministry would be able to fix all roads in Tamale and, specifically, Tamale North within the next four years. In response, he affirmed the Minister’s dedication to the cause.
“I have no doubt in his [Substantive Minister] commitment and hard work that we would leverage the needed resources to fix many of these roads as soon as possible.”
Hon. Alhassan Suhuyini Deputy Minister Nominee for Roads and Highways
He acknowledged that the demand for roads was high across the country and that the Ministry would focus on leveraging resources to address as many concerns as possible.
Hon. Suhuyini pointed out that Ghana still has a long way to go in developing its road infrastructure. He shared statistics highlighting the backlog of road development.
“The briefing I have received from the Ministry shows that we only have about 134,000 kilometers so far. Even out of this 134,000, about 72% of those roads are unpaved.”
Hon. Alhassan Suhuyini Deputy Minister Nominee for Roads and Highways
This, he explained, was why Members of Parliament frequently raised road-related concerns in their respective constituencies.
Despite these challenges, he assured Ghanaians that the Ministry would continue working towards significant improvements.
Addressing Concerns Over Axle Load Regulation
Hon. Suhuyini also addressed the issue of axle load stations, which regulate the weight of cargo trucks to protect road infrastructure. He commended the Ministry’s recent decision to investigate axle load operations, emphasizing the importance of enforcement.
“What the Ministry requires now are funds because of the need all over the country when it comes to road infrastructure. So however we can raise the needed revenue to support the government’s agenda, it is all well and good.”
Hon. Alhassan Suhuyini Deputy Minister Nominee for Roads and Highways
However, the Chairman of the Committee quickly corrected him, clarifying that axle load regulations were primarily aimed at protecting roads rather than generating revenue. Hon. Suhuyini accepted the guidance, stating;
“Mr. Chairman, I am guided by the honorable’s direction on the axle load. Except that my focus… was on the penalties usually charged when people dodge these axle load stations and the revenue that it accrues for the state.”
Hon. Alhassan Suhuyini Deputy Minister Nominee for Roads and Highways
The issue of financing road projects also came up during the vetting, with Hon. Suhuyini acknowledging the limitations of government funds in meeting the country’s road demands. He recognized the need to explore alternative financing models, particularly through public-private partnerships (PPP).
“Currently, we do not have any road in this country that has been constructed as a result of a public-private partnership. But I know that some work is ongoing to explore this option.”
Hon. Alhassan Suhuyini Deputy Minister Nominee for Roads and Highways
He emphasized that private sector involvement could provide much-needed funds to supplement government efforts.
Leveraging Pension Funds for Road Development
One of the most compelling proposals Hon. Suhuyini made during his vetting was the suggestion that some pension funds be considered as a source of financing for major road projects.
“When I pick reports from SSNIT and see that they are investing in luxurious hotels and other assets, I wonder if moving forward, some of these funds cannot be used to support our critical infrastructure needs of the country.”
Hon. Alhassan Suhuyini Deputy Minister Nominee for Roads and Highways
He proposed that such funds could be used to develop major highways, which could then be tolled to recoup the investment.
“For example, if we have an agency supporting the construction of a three-lane dual carriageway from Accra to Kumasi and introduce toll points at strategic locations, I am sure that the investment will be recouped over time.”
Hon. Alhassan Suhuyini Deputy Minister Nominee for Roads and Highways
According to him, pension funds should be invested in long-term, sustainable projects, and road infrastructure fits that criterion.
Hon. Alhassan Suhuyini’s vetting clearly enumerated his vision for Ghana’s road sector. He acknowledged the extensive work that remains and expressed confidence in the Ministry’s ability to tackle road challenges despite financial constraints.
His proposals on leveraging resources, engaging private partners, and utilizing pension funds offer alternative solutions to addressing Ghana’s road infrastructure needs.
As he awaits approval for the position, stakeholders will be keen to see how these ideas translate into action.
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