Agbodza protests the use of roads to haul bauxite, manganese

Kwame Agbodza is the Minister for Roads and Highways. He is concerned about transporting minerals like bauxite and manganese by road instead of rail.

During an inspection of the Takoradi-Agona-Nkwanta dual carriageway, he stated that trucks damage roads built with taxpayer money. He emphasized that successful mining relies on rail transport, not roads.

The Minister noted that some companies are responsible for road damage. He mentioned these companies often claim to be losing money in their balance sheets.

Agbodza questioned whether we should allow our roads to deteriorate within two years after construction. He plans to discuss the issue of mineral haulage by trucks further.

He urged companies to work with stakeholders to use rail for transportation instead of roads. Currently, over 200 trucks transport manganese and bauxite daily from Ghana Manganese Company and Ghana Bauxite Company to Takoradi Port.

Stakeholders hope the Minister can stop these haulage trucks or encourage the companies to help complete the rail line.