GhIE, Engineering bodies engage Roads Ministry over rising costs, project delays

The Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE), the Engineering Council, and the Ghana Consulting Engineers Association (GCEA) have expressed concerns over challenges impacting Ghana's infrastructure development. These include rising construction expenses, project delays, and unpaid bills. On August 26, 2026, the three professional organizations met with the Ministry of Roads and Highways in Accra to discuss infrastructure, professional practices, and the future of Ghana's road network.

The discussions centered on financial pressures in the road sector, such as escalating construction costs, unpaid payments, and project delays. Officials from the Ministry, including Minister Kwame Agboza, were in attendance to address these issues.

The Ministry presented plans to help consultants and contractors adhere to their professional duties without unnecessary delays due to contractor payment certificates. In addition to these specific concerns, the professional bodies also highlighted broader issues concerning consultancy, contracting, project management, maintenance, and the overall environment for engineering professionals in Ghana.

Minister Agboza acknowledged the vital role that engineers and other built-environment professionals play in the nation's development and emphasized the importance of the professional institutions as partners in enhancing infrastructure delivery. He urged engineers, surveyors, and quantity surveyors to collaborate closely with government to ensure the efficient use of public funds allocated to infrastructure projects, delivering value for money.

Agboza stressed the necessity for stronger collaboration between the government and the engineering profession, especially in the planning, designing, supervising, and maintaining of infrastructure projects. The professional bodies affirmed that ongoing dialogue would be crucial for ensuring that public infrastructure is meticulously planned, professionally executed, and diligently maintained to serve the nation effectively in the long run.