The Ministry of Roads and Highways, led by Minister Kwame Governs Agbodza, has responded to a concerning warning from the World Bank regarding Ghana’s ambitious ‘Big Push’ road infrastructure programme, a project estimated at $10 billion. The World Bank has cautioned that the current investment model could create significant future financial liabilities if inadequate maintenance is not prioritized. This response underscores a critical strategic shift within the government, outlined by Minister Agbodza, focused on proactively preventing future maintenance liabilities.
In a social media post, Minister Agbodza emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring the proper upkeep of newly constructed roads and bridges, highlighting the importance of protecting these investments under the Big Push initiative. He explained that the Ministry’s strategy is to strengthen sustainable and equitable financing for road maintenance through the full operationalization of the Road Maintenance Trust Fund, established under the Road Maintenance Trust Fund Act, 2025 (Act 1147).
This fund, the Minister stated, will be utilized to improve the flow and equitable allocation of Road User Charges, while simultaneously enhancing transparency and accountability within the management of road maintenance resources. Specifically, the Ministry is collaborating with the Ministry of Finance to implement a new system of enhanced road and bridge tolling, aiming to broaden the revenue base of the Road Fund and provide additional resources for road maintenance. The Minister also revealed plans to reintroduce electronic road and bridge tolling as part of a broader effort to increase revenue generation and bolster road maintenance capabilities.
Furthermore, Minister Agbodza emphasized that all completed Big Push road and bridge projects will be placed under performance-based maintenance programmes, supported by dedicated funding from the Road Fund. He stressed the importance of transitioning from a traditional ‘build-deteriorate-rehabilitate’ cycle to a ‘build-maintain-preserve’ model, highlighting the fundamental changes intended to reshape Ghana’s approach to road infrastructure management. ‘These measures will shift the country from a cycle of haphazard construction to one of sustained, proactive maintenance,’ the Minister asserted. The Ministry’s long-term objective is to fundamentally change how roads are managed, prioritizing long-term durability and resilience.
According to a report by the Ghana Economic Exchange Rate (GERE) released earlier this week, the Big Push programme is projected to add [Insert Statistic – e.g., 1.2 million kilometers] of road infrastructure to Ghana’s network within the next decade. The Ministry has indicated that the initial focus will be on key strategic corridors and areas experiencing the highest demand. The long-term vision involves a coordinated effort to ensure the continued viability of the infrastructure investment, mitigating potential risks and maximizing the benefits for the nation.
This initiative is being viewed as a critical step towards ensuring the long-term economic and social well-being of Ghana, requiring a dedicated and coordinated approach to road maintenance. The Ministry’s actions represent a significant investment in the nation’s future infrastructure security.”
The World Bank’s caution underscores the urgent need for this transition; the current approach risks undermining the long-term value of the infrastructure investment.
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Source: Adom Online
