Parliament has approved a budget of GH¢5.38 billion for the Ministry of Roads and Highways for the financial year ending December 31, 2026. This allocation is expected to significantly improve Ghana’s road networks, facilitating socio-economic activities and enhancing mobility for citizens.
Breakdown of the Allocation:
– Government of Ghana Sources: GH¢4.45 billion
– Internally Generated Funds: GH¢20.23 million
– Development Partners: GH¢910.80 million
The approved budget will be disbursed among three cost centers:
– Compensation: GH¢142.69 million
– Goods and Services: GH¢59.19 million
– Capital Expenditure: GH¢5.18 billion
The Ministry plans to undertake various road rehabilitation and maintenance projects, including:
– Minor rehabilitation works on 1,678km of trunk roads, 500 km of feeder roads, and 30 km of urban roads
– Periodic maintenance activities on 1,750 km, 500 km, and 300 km of trunk, feeder, and urban roads, respectively
– Construction of 200 km of trunk roads, 20 km of urban roads, and several bridges
The project is expected to create approximately 500,000 direct and indirect jobs, contributing to employment creation and economic growth. However, the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, raised concerns about the non-constitution of the Board for the Road Fund, which he said is hindering payments to some road contractors.
