Minister for Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza, has called on traditional leaders to support government efforts to accelerate road infrastructure projects under President Mahama’s ambitious “Big Push” agenda.
He made the call while paying a courtesy call on the paramount chief of Komenda, Okatayi Komeh VII, as he commenced inspection of roads in the Central Region. The roads inspected included Cape Coast – Komenda, Komenda – Elmina, Elmina – Mankessim, Mankessim – Otuam, Otuam – Apam, Apam – Winneba, and Winneba – Kasoa.
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Speaking during a visit to the Komenda Sugar Factory and the adjoining road network linking Komenda to Takoradi, the Minister said that the Mahama Infrastructure Blueprint seeks to significantly boost road connectivity across the country — with the Komenda area playing a strategic role in the Winneba-Takoradi road corridor.
“We’re using your tax money, not loans. We’re still under the IMF, so we can’t borrow freely. That’s why we need your support to clear the right of way,” Mr. Agbodza told the Komenda Traditional Council.
He stressed that one of the key challenges delaying road projects is the slow process of acquiring land or property rights along proposed road alignments. Though Ghanaian law mandates fair compensation for property taken in the public interest, he noted that extended negotiations often stall progress for months — or even years.
“Let’s not delay with compensation. If it’s not someone’s bedroom, let’s be reasonable. We can’t afford to have every project delayed by compensation disputes.”
Mr. Agbodza also urged agencies like the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and the Ghana Water Company to cooperate promptly when infrastructure needs to be relocated to make way for road construction.
“We don’t want to start work and then ECG refuses to move poles or Ghana Water demands huge fees before relocating a pipe,” he said. “Those delays cost the nation valuable time and money.”
The Roads Minister tasked regional ministers and agency heads to coordinate early, identify road alignments in affected areas, and work with traditional leaders to sensitize the public ahead of construction.
He revealed that visible work on the Winneba-Takoradi Road is expected to begin within two months, making it critical to resolve all right-of-way issues before contractors arrive on site.
The visit to the Komenda Sugar Factory, which is also a key component of industrial revitalization efforts in the region, highlights the broader economic importance of improved infrastructure in unlocking regional development potential.
“Roads are not just roads. They open up communities, revive factories, and create jobs. That’s what this Big Push is about,” Mr. Agbodza concluded.
