NPP left GHC100bn in commitments in road sector – Agbodza

Kwame Governs Agbodza, the Minister-Designate for Roads and Highways, has expressed concerns about the growing debt within the ministry.

In his appearance before the Appointments Committee of Parliament on Monday, January 20, 2025, Agbodza revealed that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government left a minimum of GHC100 billion in outstanding commitments.

He further disclosed that as of January 20, 2025, unpaid certificates from the Government of Ghana amounted to GHC20 billion, with an additional GHC15 billion in unpaid road funds.

“In 2017, our respected colleague who is no longer a member of Parliament, [Amoako Atta] in his words was alarmed by the fact that the NDC government was leaving a commitment debt of GHC17 billion in the road sector and GHC1.5 billion being certificates approved which were not paid.

“At the transition committee, it turns out that as of today [January 20], I have not been to the ministry yet, but what they presented to the committee, the NPP government is leaving a minimum of GHC100 billion commitment. What you should be worried about in that same document, they are saying that certificates unpaid as of today [January 20] from GoG amount to about GHC20 billion. The ones with road funds is about GHC15 billion.

Agbodza revealed that a GHC113 million debt in the road sector in 2018 has now ballooned to GHC665 million due to accumulated interest.

He further disclosed that in 2020, the debt stood at GHC424 million, but the accrued interest has since risen to GHC1.5 billion.

Agbodza expressed serious concerns about the financial implications and how he would explain the situation to his constituents in Adaklu.

“Out of the GHC15 billion, in 2018, we were owing about GHC113 million, the interest on the GHC113 million this year will be GHC665 million. When you take 2019, the debt is GHC210 million, and the interest on the GHC210 million is GHC960 million.

“2020, we were owing GHC424 million, and the interest is GHC1.5 billion. In 2021, the debt was GHC616, the interest currently is GHC1.69 billion. The question is how do I explain this to the taxpayers in Adaklu?

Governs Agbodza proposed implementing better contract management in the road sector, emphasizing that significant funds are being wasted. He stated firmly, “This cannot continue.”