Alhaji Alhassan Sayibu Suhuyini, Deputy Minister of Roads and Highways, has appealed to the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament to facilitate timely release of funds by the Ministry of Finance to pay road contractors.
The ministry, he said, inherited a staggering debt of over GH¢21 billion in the road sector, including unpaid work done by contractors.
“This debt has led to numerous abandoned road projects across the country, with contractors struggling to continue work due to lack of payment,” Alhassan Suhuyuni made the appeal when he led a team to appear before the Public Accounts Committee’s (PAC) public hearing on Wednesday to answer questions on various financial infractions committed by individuals and agencies under the Ministry in the 2024 Auditor-General’s Report.
The GH¢21 billion debt accumulated over several years, which has crippled the road sector, forcing contractors to halt work on numerous projects.
Many road projects are abandoned due to delayed payments, affecting transportation and economic activities. Contractors have raised concerns about bureaucratic bottlenecks, delayed payments, and rising construction material costs.
Earlier this year, the Mahama-led government announced plans to release GH¢4 billion to road contractors by the end of July 2025 as part of a GH¢13 billion arrears clearance plan.
The Ministry of Roads and Highways has initiated a validation process to determine the actual indebtedness to road contractors and ensure sustainable project implementation.
The Deputy Minister, also the Member of Parliament for Tamale North, emphasised the need for a dedicated Road Fund to ensure sustainable funding for road projects and avoid accumulating excessive debt.
Source: GNA/Christian Akorlie
