Roads Ministry seeks 1,000 new recruits

The Ministry of Roads and Highways is seeking approval to recruit about 1,000 additional personnel as it moves to address staffing gaps affecting agencies responsible for road construction and maintenance across the country.

Roads and Highways Minister Kwame Governs Agbodza said the request was submitted to strengthen the capacity of the sector, particularly as road agencies continue to face growing workloads with limited human resources.

Addressing Parliament’s Economy and Development Committee, the minister explained that the expansion of Ghana’s administrative regions had placed additional demands on road agencies without a corresponding increase in staff numbers.

According to him, the shortage is most pronounced among engineers, inspectors and quality assurance personnel, whose responsibilities include monitoring projects and ensuring compliance with construction standards.

Mr Agbodza noted that inadequate staffing has made it difficult for agencies to effectively supervise the numerous road projects being undertaken nationwide, raising concerns about project quality and oversight.

He disclosed that approval has already been granted for the recruitment of 137 officers for the Ghana Highways Authority, but stressed that a broader recruitment exercise is needed to address shortages across the entire sector.

The minister said strengthening the workforce would improve project monitoring, enhance quality control and support the efficient delivery of road infrastructure projects.

The proposed recruitment drive forms part of efforts to improve the operational effectiveness of road agencies as government continues to invest in road construction and rehabilitation nationwide.