By Rachel Quartey and Rukayatu Musah
Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has called on Ghanaians to exercise patience and cooperate with the government as efforts continue to improve road infrastructure across the country.
Speaking during a working visit to the Ministry of Roads and Highways in Accra, the Vice-President said road projects have far-reaching impacts beyond transportation, affecting sectors such as health, education, and the environment.
“Road infrastructure affects almost every aspect of our national life, from access to healthcare and education to economic activity and environmental management. We therefore need the patience and cooperation of the public as government works to improve the road network,” she stated.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang also stressed the need for intensified public education on road safety, particularly the use of footbridges to reduce accidents and save lives. She further urged the Ministry of Roads and Highways to maintain regular engagement with the public to help manage expectations and strengthen collaboration in the execution of road projects.
The Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to delivering high-quality road infrastructure in line with the government’s development agenda.
“We remain committed to delivering durable and high-quality road projects that will support economic growth and improve the lives of Ghanaians,” he said.
Mr Agbodza also noted that Ghanaian contractors are increasingly meeting the required standards and emphasized the importance of engaging more local contractors in road construction to strengthen the local industry.
Meanwhile, the Director of Monitoring and Evaluation at the ministry, Francis Ahlidza, highlighted the role of public-private partnerships in supporting the development of Ghana’s road network.
“Partnerships with the private sector can help mobilize the resources needed to address infrastructure gaps and accelerate road development across the country,” he explained.
Mr Ahlidza disclosed that the government’s Big Push Infrastructure Programme is expected to significantly expand road development nationwide, with about fifty contracts already awarded covering more than one thousand kilometres of roads.
He also revealed that the government is exploring the use of technology to modernize the country’s road tolling system.
“A digital tolling system will help reduce congestion at toll points and improve revenue generation to support road maintenance,” he said.
According to him, more than one billion Ghana cedis has been disbursed through the Road Maintenance Trust Fund to support maintenance activities across the national road network.
Mr Ahlidza added that the ministry is also addressing the challenge of vehicle overloading, noting that findings from a recent load control system study will guide stronger enforcement measures to protect road infrastructure and safeguard government investments.
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Source:
www.gbcghanaonline.com