Minister for Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza, has called for fresh approaches to financing and delivering Ghana’s transport infrastructure, urging a greater role for the private sector to help close the country’s widening infrastructure gap.
Speaking at the 2026 Transport Sector Review Conference in Ho, Volta Region, Mr. Agbodza argued that traditional public financing was no longer sufficient to develop and maintain the roads, bridges, and other critical transport links Ghana needs. The conference, held under the theme “Financing and Delivery of Resilient Transport Infrastructure and Services: A Big Push for Sustainable Economic Transformation,” gathered policymakers, development partners, private-sector representatives, transport unions, academia, and industry experts to chart the sector’s future.
According to the minister, Ghana must mobilise additional resources, improve spending efficiency, strengthen asset management, and build an environment that attracts private capital. “The government would explore innovative and predictable financing mechanisms to ensure sustainable funding for infrastructure development and maintenance,” he said.
Mr. Agbodza stressed that transport infrastructure should be seen as vital economic connectors, not just physical assets—enabling people, businesses, farmers, and communities to play their part in national growth. “This is why the government has placed the Big Push infrastructure programme at the centre of its development agenda,” he said.
Launched in September 2025, the Big Push programme represents a bold national investment drive aimed at plugging infrastructure gaps and supporting economic transformation. Achieving its goals, Mr. Agbodza noted, will require effective financing, efficient project execution, and responsible asset management.
The Minister also urged engineers and technical professionals to devise simpler, more cost-effective designs that do not sacrifice quality, durability, or safety. “Engineering solutions should take into consideration Ghana’s financial realities while ensuring that infrastructure remained fit for purpose and capable of serving the needs of communities over the long term,” he emphasised.
Mr. Agbodza further called for managers of major transport facilities to prioritise safety and accessibility. He advocated for clear emergency exit signage and proper lighting, especially to aid travellers with visual impairments, stating, “Improving accessibility and safety should form an integral part of infrastructure planning rather than being treated as an afterthought.”
He concluded by highlighting the necessity of strong collaboration among government, technical institutions, private-sector actors, and other stakeholders to mobilise the resources and expertise needed to transform Ghana’s transport sector.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com