Gov’t owes road contractors GHS40bn– Roads Minister reveals
The Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, has revealed that the government currently owes road contractors approximately GHS 40 billion in arrears.
Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Tuesday, October 14, Mr. Agbodza acknowledged the significant financial burden inherited from the previous Akufo-Addo administration but praised the current government’s efforts in addressing the issue.
He noted that under President John Dramani Mahama and Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, GHS 5 billion of the outstanding debt has already been paid within just a few months in office.
“Without a doubt, we’re close to about GHC40 billion, which was the work done and unpaid across the road sector. The GHC5 billion is the biggest single payment made to contractors at a particular time in recent history.
Mr. Agbodza credited the progress to prudent fiscal management and strong leadership, emphasising that the government remains committed to gradually clearing the remaining arrears.
“We’re doing this without borrowing from international sources. I think President Mahama and the Finance Minister should be commended for this commitment,” he remarked.
His comments follow growing pressure from the Ghana Chamber of Construction Industry (GhCCI), which recently raised concerns about continued delays in settling outstanding Interim Payment Certificates (IPCs).
In a letter dated September 29, 2025, the Chamber criticised the government for failing to meet President Mahama’s earlier assurance that all arrears would be cleared by the end of July 2025.
“It’s only through prudence and effective leadership that we have been able to do this. We owe lots of money, but we will pay as much as the government can raise and from other sources,” he said.
The Chamber warned that the prolonged delays were putting immense financial strain on contractors, consultants, suppliers, and other stakeholders, threatening thousands of jobs and stalling critical infrastructure projects nationwide.
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