The Minister of Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, has threatened to terminate Rango Construction’s contract for a bridge project on the Bolgatanga-Bawku-Pulmakom Road if the company fails to resume work within one week.
The ultimatum follows delays in the construction project, which have triggered protests by residents over deteriorating road conditions, dust pollution and difficulties faced by commuters.
Mr Agbodza gave the directive during a monitoring visit to the project site, where he expressed dissatisfaction with the contractor’s failure to maintain consistent construction activity.
He said the company had no justification for abandoning the site, particularly after President John Dramani Mahama had prioritised the project.
“Rango, I would say we are not happy. Because when we came here with the President, you were seen on site doing some work. You have absolutely no reason to pull back at any time,” he said.
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The Minister criticised the contractor for requiring repeated pressure from government officials to remain on site and execute the project.
“It shouldn’t take the Minister to tell you to stay on site and work because, behind the scenes, we’ve worked out the strategy to complete this work,” he said.
Mr Agbodza said he had previously made an unannounced visit to the site, during which residents indicated that construction was progressing. He expressed disappointment that work had subsequently slowed.
He acknowledged the contractor’s capacity to complete the project but said the company must demonstrate that commitment through sustained work.
“I have no doubt that you have the capability of completing this project,” he said.
The Minister disclosed that Rango Construction had undertaken to complete a temporary section of the road within one and a half weeks to facilitate the diversion of traffic.
He, however, questioned why construction of the bridge had not progressed alongside the temporary road section, arguing that the two activities could be undertaken concurrently.
He directed the company to mobilise within one week and ensure that active construction resumed within two weeks.
Mr Agbodza warned that failure to comply, or any further withdrawal from the site, would result in the engagement of a replacement contractor.
“When I leave here, and you and your team leave the site, don’t come back. Because you’ll come back to see another contractor here,” he said.
He further disclosed that the project was receiving government attention and funding under the Big Push infrastructure programme.
Dismissing suggestions that funding or engineering designs were responsible for the delays, the Minister said the contractor had no reason to halt construction.
“It’s not because of money; it’s not because of lack of engineering design that this project is delayed,” he said.
Mr Agbodza also supported calls by communities along the route for the project to be completed, noting that the road had remained outstanding since 2015.
“And I agree 100% with the communities pushing that this be done. Because it’s far too long since 2015,” he added.
The Minister also appealed to motorists to observe road safety measures, particularly by reducing their speed when driving through communities.
He warned that excessive speeding could endanger other road users, including motorists who were complying with speed limits.
“You might be a victim not necessarily because you are overspeeding, but somebody overspeeding might crash into you,” he cautioned.
