Roads Minister responds to World Bank’s Big Push warning, outlines maintenance plan

Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, has detailed the government's strategy to prevent financial risks linked to Ghana's US$10 billion Big Push road infrastructure program. This came in response to the World Bank's warning that the extensive road investment could result in substantial future financial burdens if proper maintenance is not implemented.

Agbodza, via a social media post, expressed the Ministry of Roads and Highways' commitment to ensuring that all new roads and bridges are effectively maintained to safeguard the investments made under the Big Push program. His plan involves the full operationalization of the Road Maintenance Trust Fund, created by Act 1147 of 2025, aimed at creating sustainable and equitable financing for road upkeep.

Collaborating with the Ministry of Finance, they plan to improve the allocation of Road User Charges, while increasing transparency and accountability in managing road maintenance funds. To further address future maintenance liabilities, Agbodza announced plans to reintroduce electronic road and bridge tolls, aiming to broaden the Road Fund's revenue base, thus providing additional resources for maintenance.

All completed Big Push projects will be managed under performance-based maintenance programs, supported by dedicated funding from the Road Fund. This approach seeks to change Ghana's traditional cycle of 'build-deteriorate-rehabilitate' to a more sustainable 'build-maintain-preserve' model, reshaping the nation's approach to road infrastructure management.