Roads Minister warns service providers against digging newly completed roads

Governs Kwame Agbodza, Ghana's Minister for Roads and Highways, has issued a stern warning to utility companies and telecommunications operators against damaging newly completed roads while installing underground infrastructure such as water pipes, electricity cables and telecommunications lines. Agbodza emphasized that the government will hold service providers accountable for any such damage, insisting that all underground installations must be properly coordinated with road contractors before roads are paved.

During an inspection of road construction projects in the Ashanti Region, Agbodza called for better collaboration between contractors and utility companies to prevent avoidable disruptions and additional expenses on road repairs. The minister noted that utility works on newly constructed or rehabilitated roads have frequently disrupted construction projects, damaging road surfaces and incurring additional costs for the state.

Agbodza emphasized that the government will no longer tolerate such disruptions when service providers are given the opportunity to make the necessary arrangements during construction. He warned that any service provider caught digging up completed roads, including Ghana Water, Ghana Electricity Company and telecommunications companies, will face legal action and accountability measures.

Contractors working on major road projects have supported Agbodza's stance, suggesting that early communication from utility companies would allow for the seamless integration of ducts and other provisions into the construction process. The minister's warning comes as the government continues to invest in road infrastructure projects aimed at improving connectivity, reducing congestion and easing travel time on major transport corridors.

Agbodza also urged contractors to expedite work and make effective use of available construction time, stressing that extensions would only be granted if justified.