The government has directed two top Ghanaian contractors, First Sky Group and Ozwal Investments Company Limited, to immediately commence emergency road repairs on the Ashaiman-Afienya and Tema Motorway to Dawhenya stretches.
The move is expected to bring relief to thousands of road users who endure heavy traffic congestion and deteriorating road conditions on these key routes.
The Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, issued the directive during a tour of the affected areas, emphasizing the urgency of the intervention.
“We are not going to wait for anything. This is emergency work, and the contractors should mobilize immediately under the guidance of the Chief Executive of Highways,” he stated.
According to the Minister, the emergency repairs will be carried out alongside preparations for full-scale construction, which is expected to begin within two months.
• First Sky Group will handle the Tema Motorway roundabout to Central University section.
• Ozwal Investments will oversee repairs from the Ashaiman Roundabout to beyond Michelle Camp.
Minister Agbodza assured commuters that the government is fully committed to completing these road projects, acknowledging the frustration caused by delays.
“We are not going to leave our people in this mess, this pain. We shall fix this one also. So within two months, we are going to work on it as quickly as possible. Within two months, you’ll see a contractor back on the road.
But from today and tomorrow, you’ll see a bit more maintenance work by other people, Ashaiman to Afienya by Ozwal, and then the Motorway roundabout to Central University by First Sky. It’s an emergency work we are asking them to do, and that is why we ask them to move in immediately,” he emphasized.
The Minister also addressed concerns regarding the slow progress of other ongoing road projects. He criticized BHM, a contractor assigned to a different section of the Tema Motorway, for its absence on-site despite being allocated funds.
“BHM is nowhere to be found. If you visit the site, there is no work happening. This is unacceptable,” he noted.
He further explained that while INZAC is actively working on parts of the Ashaiman-Akosombo Road, they have focused on sections with less traffic congestion instead of the critical Ashaiman Roundabout to Michelle Camp area. As a result, the government may descope their contract and bring in more responsive contractors.
Minister Agbodza acknowledged that Ghana’s debt restructuring program had impacted road project financing, leading to some delays. However, he assured contractors and the public that the government remains committed to settling outstanding debts and completing key infrastructure projects.
“Despite our financial challenges, we will not leave our people in this mess. We will fix these roads and reduce the suffering of commuters,” he vowed.
