Road Minister Denies Outstanding Debts on Accra-Tema Motorway Project

Ghana’s Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, has told Parliament that the government owes no outstanding payments to contractors working on the Accra-Tema Motorway, one of the country’s most critical and congested transport corridors.

“On record, the Motorway contract is ongoing and as of this morning, we don’t owe the contractor any amount of money. All outstanding claims have been settled,” the Minister told the House on Tuesday, responding to questions from Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin about persistent traffic congestion on major entry and exit routes into the capital.

The declaration marks a significant shift for a project that has long been plagued by delays, funding shortfalls, and contractor disputes. The Motorway-Central University stretch, which had stalled due to debt-related challenges, has now resumed work, with completion targeted for the end of 2027.

The Minister acknowledged the frustrations of commuters who endure daily gridlock on the Pokuase, Kasoa-Central University, and Accra-Tema Motorway corridors, particularly during weekends. He assured the public that all affected roads are under active improvement programmes aimed at easing traffic flow.

Beyond the Motorway, Mr Agbodza provided updates on several other infrastructure projects. Two contractors are currently handling major entry and exit points in Kumasi, with one already back on site and the other being encouraged to commence work. The Ashaiman Roundabout-Akosombo Road project, however, faces funding constraints, with work proceeding at a slower pace. The government is collaborating with the German government and other development partners to secure additional financing for that project.

The Minister also confirmed that no payment certificates remain outstanding on the Pokuase project, offering further reassurance that the government is meeting its financial obligations to contractors.

“I thank the Minority Leader for raising this issue. Indeed, it is a matter of public interest,” Mr Agbodza said, striking a conciliatory tone in a parliamentary session that has otherwise been marked by sharp partisan exchanges. Earlier in the same sitting, Majority and Minority leaders had clashed over former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta’s US residency status, underscoring the charged political atmosphere in which the roads debate unfolded.

Infrastructure delivery remains one of the most politically sensitive issues in Ghana. Commuters and businesses alike depend on the country’s road network for daily economic activity, and delays to major projects carry direct consequences for livelihoods. The government’s assurance that the Motorway project is fully funded and on track will be closely watched as the 2027 completion deadline approaches.

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