The Ministry of Roads and Highways has replaced the contractor working on the Bogoso–Prestea road project after expressing dissatisfaction with the pace and quality of work on the critical stretch.
Roads and Highways Minister Governs Kwame Agbodza announced that the project had been reassigned to a new contractor following what he described as persistent delays and poor performance by the previous contractor, Black Oak.
Addressing Parliament’s Economy and Development Committee on Wednesday, the Minister revealed that repeated attempts by both the Ministry and the Ghana Highways Authority to get the contractor to accelerate work had failed.
According to him, a recent inspection of the 23-kilometre road project confirmed that the contractor was unlikely to complete the work within a reasonable timeframe.
“So when we went to the site, I asked him to step aside. I asked the contractor to leave the site, and as I speak to you, a new contractor has mobilised to do the work,” Mr Agbodza told the Committee during a public hearing.
The Minister further alleged that despite several engagements by the Chief Executive of the Ghana Highways Authority, the contractor’s performance remained below expectations.
The Bogoso–Prestea road has long been a source of frustration for residents, businesses and traditional authorities in the Western Region due to its deteriorating condition and the slow pace of rehabilitation works.
The poor state of the road has affected transportation, disrupted economic activities, particularly in mining communities, and increased difficulties for commuters who rely on the route.
Mr Agbodza said the decision to replace the contractor was aimed at preventing further delays and ensuring the completion of a road considered vital to the area’s economic development and connectivity.
He reiterated government’s commitment to ensuring value for money on public infrastructure projects and delivering stalled road projects within acceptable timelines.
While confirming that a replacement contractor has already moved to the site, the Minister indicated that details regarding the new contractor and the revised completion schedule would be announced at a later date.
