Roads Minister-Designate sounds alarm on GH¢100 billion debt in roads Ministry 

By Elsie Appiah-Osei 

Accra, Jan 20, GNA – Mr Kwame Governs Agbodza, the Minister-Designate for Roads and Highways, has expressed deep concerns over the alleged staggering debt inherited from the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.  

According to Mr Agbodza, the ministry was grappling with a minimum of GH¢100 billion in outstanding commitments. 

Speaking before the Appointments Committee of Parliament on Monday, Mr Agbodza, also the National Democratic Congress Member of Parliament for Adaklu, revealed that an alleged unpaid certificates from the Government of Ghana had accumulated to GH¢20 billion, with an additional GH¢15 billion in unpaid road funds.  

He emphasised that these figures were alarming and warranted immediate attention. 

Mr Agbodza, who is also the Majority Chief Whip, highlighted the alleged exponential growth of debt in the road sector, citing a “GH¢113 million debt in 2018 that has now ballooned to GH¢665 million due to accumulated interest.” 

“… Mr Chairman, similarly, the debt stood at GH¢424 million in 2020, with accrued interest rising to GH¢1.5 billion,” he said. 

“Mr Chairman, the question is how do I explain this to the taxpayers in Adaklu?” Mr Agbodza asked, stressing the need for transparency and accountability.  

He, therefore, proposed implementing better contract management in the road sector, emphasising that significant funds were being wasted. 

“This cannot continue,” he stated firmly to the Committee. 

Mr Agbodza’s revelations have sparked concerns about the financial implications of the alleged debt and the need for urgent reforms to address the issue.  

As the Minister-Designate for Roads and Highways, Mr Agbodza’s priority would be to develop strategies to manage the alleged debt and ensure sustainable development in the road sector. 

GNA