The Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, has warned contractors working on projects under the government’s Big Push programme that failure to meet agreed timelines could result in the termination of their contracts.
According to the Minister, all contractors engaged for the programme were selected based on their capacity to complete projects within the schedules provided, and excuses for delays would not be tolerated.
Addressing the media during a tour of ongoing road projects in the Eastern, Volta and Oti regions on Wednesday, July 8, he said contractors across the country are faced with the same cost of materials and labour, and therefore some contractors cannot justify slow progress on their projects.
“Every Big Push contractor we believe can do the work within the schedule we gave them. Those who are giving all sorts of excuses across the country as to why they cannot work, your colleagues are working,” he said.
“We are in the same country, the cost of material and labour is not different from where you are, so your excuses will not wash. You better get to site and work,” he added.
The Minister reiterated that contractors who were previously cautioned during inspection visits to improve their performance risk losing their contracts if they fail to demonstrate significant progress when the government returns for assessment.
He stressed that the government would not hesitate to replace non-performing contractors with others capable of completing the projects on time.
“We are reminding every contractor on every site we went a few months ago and threatened that if you don’t back up, we will terminate. We have not forgotten,” Mr Agbodza said.
“If we returned and you have not reached where we are asking you to reach, there is always somebody available to continue,” he warned.
The Big Push programme is part of the government’s broader infrastructure agenda aimed at accelerating road construction and improving connectivity across the country.
The initiative has placed emphasis on timely delivery, value for money and ensuring that contractors complete projects within agreed periods.
