The Minister for Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza, has revealed that the total indebtedness of the Ministry stood at an alarming GH¢21 billion as of December 2024. This disclosure highlights the financial strain facing one of Ghana’s most critical sectors.
Mr. Agbodza made this revelation in Parliament on Friday, February 28, 2025, while responding to a query from a member of parliament about the financial status of the Roads and Highways Ministry
“The total indebtedness in the Ministry of Roads and Highways as of December 2024 is GH¢21 billion,” the Minister stated, underscoring the depth of the challenge.
The debt represents payments owed to contractors, suppliers, and other stakeholders involved in various road infrastructure projects across the country. This growing financial burden has raised concerns about the government’s ability to fund ongoing and future road projects, particularly at a time when public demand for better roads is intensifying.
Impact on Road Development
This revelation comes amidst widespread dissatisfaction with the state of roads nationwide. Many citizens have been vocal about the poor road conditions, which are hampering economic activities and posing safety risks. The massive debt, however, threatens to derail efforts to address these concerns.
Analysts warn that without urgent financial intervention, the Ministry may struggle to honour existing obligations or launch new projects, further deepening the country’s infrastructure woes.
Parliamentary Debate Expected
The Minister’s disclosure is expected to ignite heated discussions in Parliament, with lawmakers likely to demand immediate measures to address the debt crisis. Proposals may include the allocation of additional budgetary resources, renegotiation of payment terms with contractors, or exploring public-private partnerships to bridge the funding gap.
The Roads Ministry’s financial woes come at a time when infrastructure development is considered a key driver of economic growth. The growing debt, however, paints a grim picture of the challenges ahead, raising critical questions about fiscal management and project financing strategies within the Ministry.
As the nation awaits concrete steps to address the issue, the GH¢21 billion debt serves as a stark reminder of the pressing need for sustainable funding models in Ghana’s road infrastructure sector.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson #ahotoronline.com
