Roads Minister confronts contractor over ‘unacceptable’ delays on Techiman–Wenchi road

Roads Minister Confronts Contractor Over Slow Progress on Techiman–Wenchi Project Despite GH¢66m Payment

A routine inspection tour by Ghana’s Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, turned confrontational on Monday after he uncovered what he described as “unacceptable” delays on the Techiman–Wenchi road project, despite the release of GH¢66 million in mobilisation funds.

The minister, joined by his deputy, Suhuyini, and the Bono East Regional Minister, visited the project site expecting to see significant progress. Instead, they were met with little more than basic vegetation clearing, five months after the contractor had received payment to commence work.

Visibly frustrated, Mr. Agbodza questioned the contractor’s commitment and capacity to deliver on the project.

“Five months, sixty-six million Ghana cedis, and all we see is surface clearing. No gravel works, no drainage systems, no structural development. This is completely unacceptable,” he stated during the inspection.

Project documents reviewed on-site indicated that the mobilisation funds were disbursed late last year to enable early-stage construction activities, including earthworks, drainage, and foundational road structures. However, the minister observed that the contractor had failed to adhere to the agreed project schedule, raising concerns about accountability and project oversight.

Deputy Minister Suhuyini reinforced that mobilisation funds are not a handout but a performance-based advance intended to fast-track project execution. He stressed that contractors are expected to demonstrate visible progress within a reasonable timeframe after receiving such funds.

“This is not free money. It is meant to accelerate work, not justify delays,” he cautioned.

In response to the slow pace of work, the contractor has been summoned to appear before the Ministry of Roads and Highways on Thursday, May 7, 2026, to explain the situation and outline a clear recovery plan.

Mr. Agbodza warned that failure to provide satisfactory justification or demonstrate the technical and financial capacity to proceed could lead to the immediate termination of the contract.

“If the contractor cannot deliver, we will not hesitate to terminate the agreement and bring in a more capable firm. The government’s infrastructure agenda cannot be compromised,” he said, referencing the administration’s flagship development drive, the Big Push initiative.

The Bono East Regional Minister also expressed disappointment, noting that delays in critical road infrastructure directly affect economic activity and mobility in the region. He announced plans to intensify monitoring through regular and unannounced inspections to ensure compliance across all ongoing road projects.

“All contractors in this region must strictly adhere to their contractual obligations. Failure to do so will result in immediate consequences, including possible termination,” he warned.

Residents and commuters along the Techiman–Wenchi–Sawla corridor have welcomed the minister’s intervention, citing months of inactivity and growing frustration over the condition of the road.

According to a local trader, the initial clearing of vegetation had raised hopes that construction would begin promptly, but those expectations were quickly dashed.

“They came and cleared the bushes, and we thought real work would follow. That was months ago. Nothing has changed since then,” the trader said.

The Techiman–Wenchi road is a key transport link in the Bono East Region, connecting farming communities to major markets and facilitating trade across northern Ghana. Delays in its completion have had economic implications, particularly for farmers and transport operators who rely on the route.

The Ministry of Roads and Highways is expected to take decisive action following the contractor’s scheduled appearance, as pressure mounts to either accelerate the project under stricter supervision or reassign it to ensure timely completion.