Minister for Roads and Highways Kwame Governs Agbodza has issued a stern ultimatum to the contractor responsible for the Enchi to Elubo road project, warning that the company risks losing the contract unless significant improvements are made immediately following what he described as deeply unsatisfactory performance.
Speaking to journalists after inspecting the ongoing construction works on Tuesday, May 12, the minister openly expressed frustration over the slow pace of execution despite the government having already disbursed a mobilisation payment amounting to GH₵80.2 million to Top Engineering International Limited, the firm handling the project.
Mr Agbodza explained that although the Chief Executive of the Ghana Highway Authority had advised him to grant the contractor additional time to improve performance, the present condition of the project remains far below expectations.
According to the Roads Minister, the only reason the contract has not been terminated immediately is because recovering the GH₵80.2 million already paid to the contractor could prove extremely difficult for the state.
He described the situation as one of the most disappointing cases encountered since the government commenced monitoring projects under the national Big Push infrastructure initiative.
Mr Agbodza further criticised the management structure of the company, alleging that the beneficial owner of the construction firm is frequently outside the country and difficult to contact whenever concerns are raised regarding the project’s execution and delays.
The minister consequently directed officials of Top Engineering International Limited to appear before the Ghana Highway Authority within one week to provide explanations for the prolonged delays and present a clear strategy for accelerating progress on the road project.
Issuing a direct warning to the contractor, Mr Agbodza stated that the government cannot continue tolerating a situation where a company retains substantial public funds while remaining inaccessible to authorities supervising the work.
He further stressed that the state owes the contractor nothing and insisted there are thousands of other companies capable of undertaking the assignment if the current contractor is unable to meet expectations.
The Enchi to Elubo road project forms part of the government’s wider Big Push infrastructure programme designed to improve transportation networks, strengthen regional connectivity, and stimulate economic activity across the Western North Region and Western Region.
The initiative is regarded as a major component of the administration’s broader strategy to modernise critical infrastructure and facilitate commercial development within key parts of the country.
