The government has paid road contractors more than $2 billion in Ghana cedi equivalent over the past two years to clear outstanding arrears and finance new road projects, Roads and Highways Minister Governs Kwame Agbodza has disclosed.

Mr Agbodza said the payments formed part of the government’s efforts to settle inherited debts owed to contractors while ensuring that ongoing road projects remain active.

Speaking to the media on Tuesday, September 29, during an inspection of the Accra-Kumasi bypass project, the Minister said the government had committed significant resources to the road sector since taking office.

“President Mahama’s government has paid within two years monies to contractors than anybody in our history. We have paid in excess of $2 billion so far in Ghana cedi equivalent for arrears and new works we have started,” he said.

Mr Agbodza also dismissed claims that the government had directed road contractors to suspend work or halt projects for investigations.

“Let me set the record straight. President Mahama’s government has never asked any road contractor to stop work or suspended any work for investigations,” he stated.

He said the government was determined to move away from the practice of abandoning road projects due to funding challenges, adding that construction on the Accra-Kumasi bypass was progressing.

The Minister was responding to recent claims that contractors had vacated the project site, insisting that the progress on the ground contradicted such assertions.

“Last two weeks, there were some people in the media claiming that no contractor is on site. Please take the information to them, what you have seen,” he said.

According to Mr Agbodza, the physical nature of road construction makes it possible for the public to independently assess the progress of projects.

“We have come to realise that as for road, you can’t do propaganda with it. If it is being constructed, you will see it; you don’t have to go explain it at the studio,” he said.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to completing the Accra-Kumasi bypass and described the project as a priority in its road infrastructure agenda.

Mr Agbodza expressed confidence that work on the project would continue until its completion.