Ghana’s Parliament has approved GH¢5,378,458,359.00 in budgetary allocations for the Ministry of Roads and Highways, marking a major milestone in the Government’s Big Push infrastructure agenda to expand and modernise road networks across the country.
The approval followed the presentation of the 2026 budget estimates report by the Roads and Transport Committee, setting the stage for intensified construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance works on key highways, feeder roads, and urban road networks nationwide.
Presenting the report, Chairman of the Committee, Isaac Adjei Mensah, said the allocation would “significantly support priority corridor upgrades, routine maintenance across all regions, and ongoing strategic projects.”
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He noted that the investment aligns with the Government’s multimodal development agenda.
“The Big Push is designed to unlock economic growth, enhance access to markets, and boost transportation efficiency nationwide,” he told the House.
Lawmakers who debated the estimate described the allocation as a decisive step toward addressing Ghana’s longstanding road deficits.
They stressed that the investment will help decongest key routes, reduce travel time, and stimulate economic activity in both urban and rural communities. MPs also noted that the increased spending reflects the Government’s commitment to modernising the country’s infrastructure backbone as outlined in the 2026 Budget.
Sector Minister Kwame Governs Agbodza reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to delivering major road projects, including dual carriageway expansions.
“We are determined to continue and expand critical road projects across the country. These interventions will create jobs and energise local economies,” he said.
He assured Parliament that the Accra–Winniba highway remains a top priority.
Responding to concerns from MPs, Agbodza outlined what he called a “difficult situation” inherited by the ministry.
He disclosed that: The ministry took over GH¢110 billion worth of projects; An additional GH¢24 billion in contracts had been awarded without commencement approval, and there were GH¢60 billion in unpaid certificates owed to contractors. He said the government has made progress in stabilising the sector by clearing parts of the arrears.
“Some contractors had waited for years. For example, the Ofankor Road contractor alone was owed GH¢800 million,” he revealed.
Agbodza also criticised past contract management, citing an instance in which US$29 million was paid to an Indian contractor who allegedly abandoned the Savelugu–Walewale road project.
“We must avoid politicising infrastructure and instead focus on completing strategic projects nationwide,” he urged.
With the budget approved, the Roads Ministry is expected to roll out disbursement schedules and project implementation timelines in the coming weeks.
Parliament expressed optimism that the new injection of funds will help restore confidence among contractors, speed up stalled works, and improve road quality across the country.
Day one of the estimates consideration also saw Parliament approve budget allocations for the Health, Works and Housing, Gender, Children and Social Protection, and Transport ministries.