Ghana's Ministry of Roads and Highways has committed to resolving payment bottlenecks affecting consultants working on road projects. This assurance came during a meeting in Accra on Wednesday, August 26, 2026. The engagement involved the Ministry, the Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE), the Engineering Council, and the Ghana Consulting Engineers Association (GCEA).
The discussions focused on significant challenges within Ghana’s road sector. These issues include delays in project execution, rising construction costs, and outstanding payments. Financial pressures on both contractors and consultants were also a key concern. Addressing these problems is vital for maintaining the pace of national infrastructure development.
This commitment comes as Ghana faces broader economic pressures impacting public spending and project financing. The government has been working to manage its debt profile and ensure fiscal discipline. Delays in payments can strain the financial health of local businesses, affecting their ability to retain staff and invest in future projects. This situation can slow down critical infrastructure development, which is essential for economic growth and job creation across the country.
Roads and Highways Minister Kwame Agboza acknowledged the vital role engineers play in national development. He described professional institutions as important partners in improving infrastructure delivery. The Minister urged engineers, surveyors, and quantity surveyors to collaborate closely with the government. This partnership aims to ensure public funds for infrastructure projects are used efficiently and deliver value for money. The Ministry stated it is implementing measures to ensure consultants can perform their professional responsibilities without unnecessary delays from payment certificates.
The implications of these payment bottlenecks extend beyond individual firms. Prolonged delays can lead to a decline in the quality of work. Consultants might struggle to cover operational costs, potentially leading to project abandonment or substandard outputs. This situation could also deter new talent from entering the engineering sector, creating a long-term skills gap. Furthermore, it could increase the overall cost of projects due to renegotiations or extended timelines. The Ministry's commitment is a crucial step towards stabilizing the sector and ensuring timely project completion.
The Ministry's pledge to streamline payments is expected to boost confidence among engineering firms. This move could encourage greater participation in government projects. It also signals a recognition of the private sector's role in national development. The government's ability to follow through on this commitment will be closely watched by industry stakeholders. Timely payments are fundamental for the smooth operation of any large-scale infrastructure program. This initiative aims to foster a more predictable and stable operating environment for engineering professionals in Ghana. The engagement also highlighted the importance of proper planning, design, supervision, and maintenance for quality infrastructure.