Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, has pledged strong financial and strategic support for Ghana’s road sector as he officially joined the Ministerial Advisory Board of the Ministry of Roads and Highways.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony in Accra, Dr. Forson said he personally opted to serve as the Ministry of Finance’s representative on the board due to the government’s substantial investment in road infrastructure and the sector’s critical role in national development.
“When you asked for a nominee from the Ministry of Finance, I told you I wanted to be the nominee myself,” he said, noting that his decision was deliberate and aligned with the government’s financial commitments to the Roads Ministry.
He highlighted that the 2026 Budget and the medium-term expenditure framework allocate significant resources to road development, reflecting President John Mahama’s commitment to improving Ghana’s transport infrastructure.
Dr. Forson assured the Roads Minister, Hon. Governs Kwame Agbodza, of his unwavering support in delivering the President’s flagship initiatives, including the Big Push Programme, the long-awaited Accra–Kumasi Expressway, the Dumbai Bridge, and the Atebubu Bridge.
“We are here to make sure you succeed in your role as Minister responsible for Roads and Highways and to ensure that the President’s vision becomes reality,” he stated.
The Finance Minister also underscored the diverse expertise represented on the Advisory Board, noting that members would provide technical, financial, and policy guidance to strengthen the Ministry’s operations.
“You are an experienced man in the sector, but some of us come from different backgrounds. I will give you financial advice; others will give technical advice. Together, we will support your work,” he said.
Dr. Forson assured that beyond the public ceremony, the board would offer frank, private counsel to the Minister, ensuring effective decision-making without the distraction of cameras.
Roads Minister Highlights Urgent Need for Reforms
Meanwhile, Minister for Roads and Highways, Hon. Governs Kwame Agbodza, expressed serious concern about the state of project financing, supervision, and material regulation within the Ministry, describing the situation as unsuitable and in urgent need of reform.
He revealed that the Ministry inherited significant financial and operational challenges, including cost overruns and unauthorized project awards.
According to the Minister, in 2024 alone, over GH¢30 billion worth of projects were awarded without commencement authorization from the Ministry of Finance, a practice he emphasized must never be repeated.
Mr. Agbodza disclosed that the Ministry is currently saddled with over GH¢40 billion in unpaid debt owed to contractors, many of whom are under distress. He, however, commended government efforts to clear arrears, noting that nearly GH¢6 billion had been paid in the past month to reduce the burden.
He expressed confidence in the Advisory Board, noting that its members are highly experienced professionals in their respective fields and that their advice would be taken in good faith to guide reforms and strengthen the roads sector.
Ministerial Advisory Board Members
Hon. Governs Kwame Agbodza – Minister for Roads and Highways
Hon. Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson – Minister for Finance
Hon. Alhassan Suhuyini – Deputy Minister for Roads and Highways
Dr. Justice Srem-Sai – Deputy Minister, Attorney General’s Office
Hon. Francis Kombla Ganyalglo – Private Person
Ing. Samuel Kwasi Akuaku – Ministry of Roads and Highways
Ing. Magnus Lincoln Quarshie – Ghana Institution of Engineering
Surv. Dr. Charles Afetormu – Ghana Institute of Surveyors
Mr. Eric Tetteh-Addison – Ministry of Transport
Story by Osman Issah Abadoo
