By Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo, GNA
Tema, June 15, GNA – The AfriKan Continental Union Consult (ACUC), an African governance think tank, has called for greater transparency and accountability in the award and execution of road contracts.
The consult urged government institutions to strengthen oversight mechanisms to ensure value for money in public infrastructure projects.
Dr Benjamin Anyagre Aziginaateeg, Leader of ACUC, made the call in a statement titled “Accountability on Our Roads: A Call to Action for Ghanaians”.
Dr Aziginaateeg said public concerns about the condition of roads across the country should focus on contract performance, project delivery, and accountability rather than personalities.
According to him, many road users continue to contend with potholes, incomplete projects, poor lighting, prolonged delays, and dangerous diversions that affected safety and economic activity.
He noted that the situation raised important questions regarding contractor selection, project monitoring, and measures available to address delays and cost overruns.
He observed that while many of the contracts currently under discussion were awarded under previous administrations, there was a need for all stakeholders to acknowledge the broader challenge of weak oversight and contract enforcement.
The statement expressed concern about what it described as the growing influence of well-connected interests that could undermine competition, transparency, and public confidence in governance.
To address the situation, the ACUC proposed the publication of a comprehensive status report on all major road projects, including contract values, amounts paid, percentage of work completed, original completion dates, reasons for delays, and any sanctions imposed for non-performance.
Dr Aziginaateeg stated that making such information publicly available would help shift public discussions from speculation to evidence-based assessments.
He further called for strong institutional support for efforts aimed at enforcing contract obligations and protecting the public interest.
“Leadership requires more than expressing concern. It requires action,” he stated.
The statement also encouraged citizens to remain engaged and demand accountability for the use of public resources, noting that taxpayers had a legitimate interest in ensuring that road infrastructure projects were completed on time and to the required standards.
The ACUC leader urged investigative and law enforcement agencies to act professionally and independently wherever evidence of wrongdoing, mismanagement, fraud, or abuse of public resources was established.
He stressed that the debate surrounding road infrastructure should be viewed as part of a broader national conversation about accountability, transparency, and efficient public service delivery.
According to him, poor road infrastructure imposes significant costs on citizens through vehicle damage, traffic congestion, delays, accidents, and lost economic opportunities.
The statement also proposed increased investment in the engineering and logistical capacity of the Ghana Armed Forces to support rural and urban road construction projects during peacetime.
Dr Aziginaateeg said such an approach could contribute to improved efficiency, durability, and value for money in infrastructure development.
He called on all stakeholders to work collectively towards strengthening accountability systems and ensuring that public infrastructure investments deliver the intended benefits to citizens.
GNA
Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo, GNA
[email protected]