Government Owes Tema Motorway Contractor No Money, Says Roads Minister

Minister for Roads and Highways Kwame Governs Agbodza has announced that the government has settled all outstanding payments owed to the contractor working on the Tema Motorway project, removing a major obstacle to the timely completion of one of Ghana’s most important road infrastructure projects.

Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday, June 17, Mr Agbodza assured Members of Parliament that the government currently has no outstanding financial obligations under the motorway contract.

According to the minister, the settlement of all arrears forms part of the government’s broader efforts to eliminate financial bottlenecks that often delay the execution of critical infrastructure projects across the country.

He explained that ensuring contractors receive payments on time is essential for maintaining momentum on major development projects and achieving planned completion schedules.

“On record, the Motorway contract is ongoing and as of this morning, we don’t owe the contractor any amount of money. All outstanding claims have been settled. We will endeavour to continue to encourage the contractors working on this project to hurry up,” Mr Agbodza stated.

The minister emphasized that with all pending claims now cleared, the contractor is expected to intensify work and accelerate progress on the project.

The Tema Motorway project is one of the government’s key infrastructure investments aimed at improving transportation efficiency, reducing traffic congestion, and supporting economic activity within the Greater Accra Region and beyond.

The motorway serves as a vital transportation corridor connecting Accra to the industrial city of Tema and plays a crucial role in facilitating the movement of people, goods, and services across the country.

In addition to supporting domestic transportation, the road forms part of the eastern trade corridor linking Ghana to neighboring Togo and other countries within the West African sub-region.

The route is particularly important for commercial activities associated with the Tema Port, Ghana’s largest seaport and a major gateway for imports and exports.

Transportation experts have long identified the Tema Motorway as a critical piece of infrastructure that supports regional trade, industrial development, and economic integration across West Africa.

Over the years, increasing traffic volumes and the need for modernization have made rehabilitation and expansion works on the motorway a national priority.

Government officials believe the successful completion of the project will significantly improve travel times, enhance road safety, and increase the efficiency of cargo movement between the port, industrial centers, and neighboring countries.

The assurance that all contractor arrears have been paid is expected to boost confidence among stakeholders and help prevent delays that often arise from funding challenges.

Infrastructure projects in Ghana have occasionally experienced setbacks due to payment delays, resulting in slower construction progress and extended completion timelines.

Mr Agbodza indicated that the government remains committed to supporting contractors and ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder the delivery of critical national projects.

He noted that efficient infrastructure development remains a key component of the government’s agenda to promote economic growth, improve connectivity, and strengthen Ghana’s transportation network.

With outstanding claims now fully settled, attention will shift toward ensuring that construction activities proceed at a faster pace to meet project targets.

Residents, commuters, businesses, and transport operators who depend on the motorway are expected to benefit significantly once the project is completed.

The Roads and Highways Ministry has expressed optimism that continued collaboration between government and contractors will help accelerate progress and deliver the upgraded motorway within the expected timeframe.

Source: Parliament of Ghana / Ministry of Roads and Highways