$30 million road scandal: Minister goes after Indian contractor

Ghana's infrastructure sector is facing a serious issue. On Thursday, June 5, 2025, Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, made a shocking announcement in Parliament. He revealed that nearly $30 million has been paid to a contractor for a road project. This project is only one percent complete.

The construction site has barely been cleared, causing public outrage. The project was launched with much excitement but has since been almost abandoned. Mr. Agbodza expressed disappointment about the situation in the House. The total cost of the project is $158,617,764. However, the contractor has already received $29,648,180 despite minimal progress.

To make matters worse, the contractor now demands an additional $14 million. This amount is supposedly to settle and terminate the contract while keeping the funds already received. Mr. Agbodza highlighted the unfairness of this situation. He noted that he owes Ghanaian contractors over GH¢21 billion for completed work.

"It is disheartening," he said about paying someone who hasn't delivered results. He assured Parliament that the government would take legal action to recover these funds. "We will use our laws to demand that $30 million worth of work is done," he stated.

The project was officially commissioned by then-Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in June 2022. This revelation raises concerns about contract supervision and accountability in Ghana's public projects. It comes at a time when the country faces rising debt and urgent development needs.