Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, has issued a strong warning to the contractor handling the Enchi–Elubo Road project, demanding immediate improvement in work or risk being pushed off the project over what he described as unsatisfactory performance.
Speaking to the media after inspecting the road project on Tuesday, May 12, the Minister expressed disappointment over the slow pace of work despite the government paying the contractor, Top Engineering International Limited, a GH₵80.2 million mobilisation fee.
Agbodza explained that although he had been advised by the Chief Executive of the Ghana Highway Authority to allow the contractor some additional time, the current state of the project remains unacceptable.
“The only reason I’m not terminating the contract right now is that they have GH₵80.2 million of our money in their pocket, and retrieving that money will be difficult. We are totally disappointed. In fact, this is one of the worst situations we have seen since we started monitoring the Big Push projects,” he added.
The Roads Minister further criticised the contractor’s management, claiming the beneficial owner of the company is often outside the country and difficult to reach whenever concerns are raised about the project.
He subsequently directed representatives of Top Engineering International Limited to appear before the Ghana Highway Authority within one week to explain the delays and outline measures to accelerate work on the project.
“Wherever you are, if you are still interested, you cannot take our GH₵80.2 million, and when we are looking for you, we can’t find you. We don’t owe you anything. Over 5,000 people want this job. If you cannot do it, step aside,” Agbodza warned.
The Enchi–Elubo Road forms part of the government’s broader infrastructure agenda, Big Push, aimed at improving transportation and boosting economic activities within the Western North and Western regions.
