Ghana's Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, has warned contractors. They must complete and hand over their ongoing government road projects before seeking new contracts. This directive comes as the government aims to curb delays and ensure better project delivery. It falls under the umbrella of its 'Big Push' initiative.
The Minister stated this decision targets contractors who secure multiple projects but fail to finish them on schedule. He emphasized that the government is considering making the completion of existing works a key requirement. This means contractors must show they have delivered their current projects before taking on more road assignments. This will prevent contractors from holding many uncompleted jobs at once.
This policy change is crucial for Ghana's infrastructure development and public finance. Many government projects, especially in road construction, suffer from significant delays. These delays often lead to cost overruns and hinder economic activity. Data shows that in 2023, the government paid GHS 13 billion towards inherited road projects, highlighting past financial commitments. This new approach seeks to reduce such burdens and ensure timely project completion.
Minister Agbodza clearly stated, “As we have said, in the next phase of the Big Push, you cannot be sitting on some jobs and be asking for new ones.” He added, “In fact, we are considering that before any contractor gets any major project, they must show that they have completed and handed over other projects within their portfolio.” This indicates a stricter enforcement regime to improve accountability.
This new requirement will likely impact many construction firms operating in Ghana. Contractors will need to focus on completing their current assignments efficiently to remain eligible for future government tenders. This could lead to a surge in project completions and a more disciplined construction sector. It will also influence how the government allocates its infrastructure budget going forward. Decision-makers will closely monitor the policy's effectiveness in accelerating project delivery.
The Minister stressed that the government will no longer tolerate contractors taking on several projects with little progress on each. He emphasized that major contractors must complete and hand over their current major projects. Only then can they secure new ones. This policy aims to improve the overall quality and speed of road infrastructure development in Ghana. This move is expected to enhance value for money in public works expenditure.