The military should become Ghana’s most reliable construction Force

During a recent inspection tour, Ghana's Minister for Roads and Highways, Mr. Kwami Governs Agbodza, had much to say regarding the potential use of the military's expertise in constructing and maintaining vital public infrastructure. His commendation of the Ghana Armed Forces Engineer Regiment for its efficiency and quality work on the Accra-Kumasi highway expansion was particularly noteworthy.

This praise highlights the military's capability to deliver public works with dedication when provided with adequate resources and a clear mandate. Conversely, the Minister expressed dissatisfaction with the contractor working on the Kpone-Dawhenya-Aflao road, whose slow pace only served to accentuate the frustration experienced by many Ghanaians due to the frequent delays seen in public infrastructure projects.

The Minister's remarks suggest that Ghana should consider making greater use of its military, especially the Engineering Regiment, as a reliable construction force for specific strategic projects. He emphasizes that this is not about replacing civilian contractors, but rather recognizing and effectively deploying an existing national entity. The military has a history of contributing to national development, as seen during the PNDC era when military personnel were deployed to construct roads and develop remote areas.

One memorable example is the military's involvement in the Afraim Plains and Sefwi areas, which resulted in significant improvements in infrastructure and connectivity. These interventions not only facilitated better movement and connected farmers to markets but also strengthened the relationship between citizens and the state. This experience demonstrates that a military seen as more than just a combat force, but rather one that contributes to development, can become an integral part of the people's everyday lives.

The strong culture of discipline and supervision within military institutions can be a valuable asset in public projects. Military schools, for instance, are gaining popularity among civilians due to the positive impact of structured supervision, discipline, and accountability. However, it is crucial to note that the military's involvement should not be misconstrued as an attempt to militarize civilian life.

The main issue, according to the Minister, is the inconsistent delivery by some contractors, which results in projects either moving at a reasonable pace or becoming stranded for years. In some cases, contractors may even disappear entirely. This inconsistency is often attributed to factors such as financing difficulties, contractual disputes, or changes in government.

Moreover, there is a troubling perception among some contractors that they can deliberately slow down projects expecting a new political administration to renegotiate or cancel them.

To address these challenges, the government should explore ways to protect national infrastructure projects from political and commercial uncertainties. This is where a strong state construction capability, provided by the military, could make a significant difference. The military's discipline, technical competence, and determination to complete assignments on schedule could help mitigate the issues associated with inconsistent contractor performance.