Accra: Mr Kwame Governs Agbodza, the Minister-Designate for Roads and Highways, has expressed deep concerns over the alleged staggering debt inherited from the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Agbodza stated that the ministry was grappling with a minimum of GHS100 billion in outstanding commitments. Speaking before the Appointments Committee of Parliament on Monday, Mr Agbodza, who is also the National Democratic Congress Member of Parliament for Adaklu, revealed that alleged unpaid certificates from the Government of Ghana had accumulated to GHS20 billion, with an additional GHS15 billion in unpaid road funds. He emphasized that these figures were alarming and warranted immediate attention.
Mr Agbodza, who is also the Majority Chief Whip, highlighted the alleged exponential growth of debt in the road sector, citing a 'GHS113 million debt in 2018 that has now ballooned to GHS665 million due to accumulated interest.' He noted that in 2020, the debt stood at GHS424 million, with accrued interest rising to GHS1.5 billion. Mr Agbodza posed a question to the Committee, asking how such figures could be explained to taxpayers in Adaklu, stressing the need for transparency and accountability.
He proposed implementing better contract management in the road sector, emphasizing that significant funds were being wasted. Mr Agbodza stated firmly to the Committee that this situation could not continue. His revelations have sparked concerns about the financial implications of the alleged debt and the need for urgent reforms to address the issue.
As the Minister-Designate for Roads and Highways, Mr Agbodza's priority would be to develop strategies to manage the alleged debt and ensure sustainable development in the road sector.
