NPP left GHC100bn road sector debt- Kwame Governs Agbodza

Minister-Designate for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, has registered concerns about the outstanding debt within the ministry.

Kwame Governs Agbodza, appeared before the Appointments Committee of Parliament on Monday, January 20, 2025, Agbodza highlighted that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government left a minimum of GHC100 billion in outstanding commitments.

He further revealed that as of January 20, 2025, unpaid certificates from the Government of Ghana amounted to GHC20 billion, with an additional GHC15 billion in unpaid road funds.

“In 2017, our respected colleague who is no longer a member of Parliament, (Amoako Atta) in his words was alarmed by the fact that the NDC government was leaving a commitment debt of GHC17 billion in the road sector and GHC1.5 billion being certificates approved which were not paid.

“At the transition committee, it turns out that as of today I have not been to the ministry yet, but what they presented to the committee, the NPP government is leaving a minimum of GHC100 billion commitment. What you should be worried about in that same document, they are saying that certificates unpaid as of today from GoG amount to about GHC20 billion. The ones with road funds is about GHC15 billion.”

Agbodza explained that a GHC113 million debt in the road sector in 2018 has increased to GHC665 million due to because of accumulated interest.

He also pointed out that in 2020, the debt stood at GHC424 million, but accrued interest has since risen to GHC1.5 billion.

“Out of the GHC15 billion, in 2018, we were owing about GHC113 million, the interest on the GHC113 million this year will be GHC665 million. When you take 2019, the debt is GHC210 million, and the interest on the GHC210 million is GHC960 million.

“2020, we were owing GHC424 million, and the interest is GHC1.5 billion. In 2021, the debt was GHC616, the interest currently is GHC1.69 billion. The question is how do I explain this to the taxpayers in Adaklu?

Governs Agbodza emphasized the importance of implementing and ensuring better contract management in the road sector, and the need to stop wasting significant funds.

By: Janice Opoku-Agyemang