The Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, has disclosed that the Mahama administration inherited road sector liabilities exceeding GH¢30 billion upon assuming office, describing the situation as fiscally unsustainable.
Speaking on State of Affairs with Joshua Kodjo Mensah on Monday, January 26, 2026, Mr. Agbodza said the total value of contracts awarded across agencies under the Roads and Highways Ministry stood at approximately GH¢110 billion at the time of the transition.
According to the minister, certified road works completed but unpaid under the Government of Ghana component alone amounted to about GH¢21 billion.
He added that arrears under the Road Fund were estimated at roughly GH¢5 billion, while additional liabilities linked to Cocoa Roads projects pushed the total outstanding debt beyond GH¢30 billion.
He explained that the figures have continued to rise since the transition, as contractors remain active and continue to submit certificates for completed works almost daily.
READ: We’ve paid nearly GH¢10bn in road contract arrears – Kwame Agbodza
“As we speak, the GH¢21 billion is probably more than GH¢30 billion now, and the Road Fund arrears have moved from about GH¢5 billion to nearly GH¢10 billion and are still increasing,” the minister said.
Mr. Agbodza noted that the ministry does not receive budgetary allocations sufficient to immediately clear such large arrears, making it difficult to honour existing obligations while embarking on new projects.
READ: Akufo-Addo gov’t did not build 10,800km of roads; no data supports claim – Agbodza
As a result, he said the government has been compelled to implement efficiency savings and adopt a more cautious approach to new commitments, ensuring that all new road projects are properly budgeted for while inherited arrears are gradually retired.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Barbara Yeboah
