Government releases GH¢400 million to speed up Ofankor-Nsawam road works — Roads Minister
The Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, has announced that construction activities on the Ofankor-Nsawam Dual Carriage Road are expected to ramp up significantly this week, following the release of over GH¢400 million to the contractor.
Speaking on TV3’s Hot Issues on Sunday, August 3, the Minister explained that the payment forms part of an outstanding $77 million debt inherited from the previous Akufo-Addo administration, which delayed progress on the critical highway project.
“As of the close of last week, over GH¢400 million has been paid towards that because the public says that despite the fact that there are many road projects which have been stalled, this is the priority of priorities,” he said.
He added that while many road contractors across the country have not been paid, the Ofankor-Nsawam project was prioritised due to its national significance, and therefore funds have been released to facilitate its completion.
The project, which was awarded at a cost of approximately $340 million, had previously stalled due to non-payment, compensation disputes, and utility relocation delays involving the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and Ghana Water Limited.
“The contractor had done some work, raised a certificate for about $77 million, and was not paid. That’s why work slowed down. The public does not understand that it’s simply because the previous government didn’t pay the bill,” the Minister stressed.
Originally slated for completion by July 20, 2024, the project’s deadline was revised to May 21, 2025. As of now, the project is reported to be 74% complete.
The Minister expressed hope that the contractor, having received such a significant sum, would accelerate on-site work in the coming days.
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