Minister for Roads and Highways, Hon. Governs Kwame Agbodza, has inaugurated the maiden Board of Trustees of the newly established Road Maintenance Trust Fund (RMTF), marking what he described as a historic turning point in Ghana’s pursuit of transparency, accountability, and equity in road maintenance.
The RMTF, created under Act 1147 in 2025, replaces the former Road Fund, which operated without firm statutory controls or parliamentary oversight—a system critics say often enabled discretionary and uneven allocation of resources.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Accra, Hon. Agbodza said the new Fund represents a major reform in road financing.
“In the past, the Road Fund existed purely under the Minister and the Chief Director. It could happen that in a year, some parts of the country never saw any significant expenditure simply because the use of the fund was so discretionary,” he said.
He emphasised that the new structure guarantees fairness and predictability:
“From now on, every constituency in Ghana will see an amount of money allocated for minimum road maintenance activity. It can never happen again that a district will say nothing happened in their area.”
Funding Gaps and Outstanding Debt
The Minister disclosed that the Fund begins its work under difficult conditions, with more than GH¢8 billion in outstanding certificates awaiting payment, compared to an expected annual accrual of only GH¢2–2.5 billion.
“With this level of accruals, you cannot pay every contractor. Many have worked genuinely and raised certificates,” he said, adding that an independent audit is underway. The first batch of verified payments is expected soon.
He further revealed that over 60 districts have been flagged for severe road deterioration. The RMTF will support government efforts to deliver urgent interventions.
Support for Small and Medium Contractors
Hon. Agbodza also pledged renewed priority for small and medium contractors (SMCs), many of whom have not been paid since 2019.
“SMCs are the ones who clear drains, seal culverts, patch potholes, and keep the sides of our village roads safe. They have historically received less. We encourage you to prioritise paying SMCs,” he said, assuring them of a “better Christmas.”
He stressed that the RMTF cannot award contracts. Its mandate is limited strictly to paying for eligible maintenance works executed by the Ghana Highway Authority, Department of Urban Roads, and Department of Feeder Roads.
“This is not a fund to fix your friends. It is not a fund to make your family happy. It is a fund to fix the roads in our country.”
Board Chairman: A “Visionary and Necessary Reform”
Board Chairman Hon. Isaac Adjei Mensah expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama for entrusting the team with a “critical national responsibility.”
“This occasion marks an important milestone in our journey toward building a reliable, safe, and sustainable road network,” he noted.
He emphasised that while Ghana has spent billions on road construction, lack of consistent maintenance has led to rapid deterioration, higher rehabilitation costs, and safety risks.
“The establishment of the Road Maintenance Trust Fund is both timely and visionary. It represents a renewed commitment to protect our road assets, ensure value for money, and support economic growth across all districts and regions.”
Hon. Adjei Mensah pledged that the Board would set a new standard in public fund management:
“We are here to demonstrate that Ghana can maintain its roads in a disciplined, efficient, and transparent manner. Every cedi allocated must reach its intended destination and produce tangible results.”
Board of Trustees
- Isaac Adjei Mensah, MP – Chairman
- Courage Kwabena Barlon – RMTF Administrator
- Ing. Samuel Kwasi Akuaku – Ministry of Roads and Highways
- Leona Serwah Johnson-Abassah – Office of the Attorney General
- Richard Fedieley – Ministry of Transport
- Dr. Grace Fedelia Annan – Ministry of Finance
- Ernest Henry Norgbey, MP – Presidential Nominee
- Mamaga Sename III – Presidential Nominee
- Victoria Kuma Mintah – Presidential Nominee
- Amin Abdul Rahaman – Ministry of Local Government
- Hon. Alidu Iddrisu Zakari – Civil Society Representative (Road Infrastructure)
- Stephen Kwaku Attatsi – Association of Road Contractors
- Sawla Wura Iddrisu Abdulai Nugbaso – Road User Representative
- Surv. Rev. Allan Okomeng-Mensah – Ghana Institute of Surveyors
- Ing. Godwin Joseph Brocke – Ghana Institution of Engineering
Story by Osman Issah Abadoo
