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Mr. Chairman,
Colleague Ministers,
Chief Directors and Directors,
Heads of Departments and Agencies,
Members of the Media,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I deem it a privilege to be given the opportunity to present to you the policies, programmes and projects of the Ministry of Roads and Highways.
I wish to express my sincere gratitude and that of my Ministry to the Office of the President and the Planning Committee for the honour done me by their kind invitation to participate in this all important National Policy Fair
The Ministry of Roads and Highways implements its policies, programmes and projects through Ghana Highway Authority (GHA), Department of Feeder Roads (DFR), Department of Urban Roads (DUR), Ghana Road Fund and Koforidua Training Centre (KTC).
Mr. Chairman,
Road transport is one of the pivots around which the economy evolves and therefore remains one of the strategic sectors of Ghana’s economy. Road transport provides support to key sectors of the economy. The Ministry therefore collaborates with almost all MDA’s in the planning and implementation of its programmes.
The policy objectives of the Road Sector, as outlined in its Sector Medium Term Development Plan (SMTDP), include:
1. To create and sustain an accessible, effective and efficient transport network that meets user needs;
2. To integrate land use, transport planning, development planning and service provision;
3. To create a vibrant investment and performance-based management environment that maximizes benefits for public and private sector investors.
In line with the Better Ghana Agenda of the Government, the Ministry has initiated a number of policies, programmes and projects to ensure the realization of these objectives.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The following policy initiatives have been derived from the Ministry’s Sector Medium Term Development Plan (SMTDP):
1. Re-introduction of Labour-Based Technology (LBT) in road maintenance and rehabilitation. This policy was reintroduced in 2009 and as at the end of 2011; thirty-three (33) contracts have been awarded creating jobs for about 4,200 people.
2. Re-focus on Routine and Periodic Maintenance Activities: This initiative was to enhance and protect the huge investment made by Government in Road Infrastructure Development.
3. Improving Road Maintenance Financing: In 2009, automated toll collection was introduced by the Ministry to improve upon revenue generation into the Road Fund. We intend to expand the automation to cover other toll roads and establish additional toll booths.
Additionally, the government is establishing more toll collection points on the national network in order to increase revenue to adequately finance road maintenance in Ghana. Consequently, toll collection has commenced at Offinso (Kumasi-Techiman) and Kubease (Nkawkaw-Kumasi) and Sawla (Bole-Wa). Plans are far advanced for toll collection to commence at Moree (Mankessim-Cape Coast) and (Suhum-Nkawkaw), among others.
Following the enactment and implementation of the Fees and Charges (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, Act 793 of 2009, revenue from Road User Fees has seen appreciable increase with the exception of the fuel levy.
The Road and Bridge Tolls which used to generate only 2% of the total Road Fund revenue now constitute about 17% of the total revenue.
Intensified Axle Load Control: To protect the investment in road infrastructure, the Ministry, has intensified the enforcement of the Law on Axle Load Limit as provided in the Road Traffic Act 2004 (Act 683) and the ECOWAS Supplementary Act on Axle Load.
An Axle Load Control Strategy has been formulated. The objective of the Axle Load Control Strategy is to reduce overloading of trucks to the barest minimum so as to forestall premature failure of the road.
Currently, the Ghana Highway Authority has constructed fourteen (14) Permanent Weighbridge Stations (PWS) out of a total of twenty-six (26) programmed. All 14 PWS are under private management.
Contracts for the supply of six (6) permanent Weigh equipment and four (4) portable weigh pads for the ports of Tema and Takoradi will be awarded very soon.
Exploring Public Private Partnerships: The Ministry is exploring Public Private Partnerships (PPP) schemes in the financing, construction and management of road infrastructure. Discussions and preparations have commenced to engage with private companies for the following:
i. The Concrete Overlay of Accra-Tema Motorway and additional two lanes on both sides
ii. Dualization of the Accra-Cape Coast- Takoradi Road.
Cabinet has given its approval for the Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) arrangement for the dualization of the Accra-Kumasi trunk road and procurement has gone far with Arterial Roads as the main company.
The contract for the financing, construction and maintenance of an Overpass on the Motorway at Teshie Link has been signed with Trasacco and works will commence soon.
Mr. Chairman,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
CHINA DEVELOPMENT BANK LOAN FACILITY
The Government has received a loan of US$3 billion from China Development Bank towards various infrastructure developments in various sectors of the economy.
Part of loan will be applied for the construction of various roads, notably the Oil Enclave roads in the Western Region and some roads in Accra Metropolitan Area.
Some of the projects include:
Mpataba-Ekpu-New Town road
Sankor Junction-Cape Three points road
Agona Nkwanta-Discove road
Busua Junction-Busua
Princess Junction-Princess Town road
The La Beach Road (Accra-Tema) completion project.
Area-wide traffic Control Centre and Intelligent System for Street Lights in Accra
The Accra Intelligent Management Traffic System
About US$180 million will be used to upgrade 400km of Gravel Roads to bitumen surfacing and 300km of earth roads to gravel surface. This is to improve access roads under the Eastern Corridor MULTI-Modal Transportation project.
Mr. Chairman,
In line with the Government’s commitment to the continuation of road projects started before 2009, funds have been provided for the continuation of those projects.
The current status of some of the road projects initiated prior to 2009 is as follows:
At 2009 March, 2012
Tettey Quarshie-Madina Road 29% 75%
Madina-Pantang Road Mobilization 65%
Achimota-Ofankor Road 22% 93%
Nsawam Bypass Mobilization 96%
Nkawkaw Bypass Mobilization 80%
Construction of Sofoline road 5% 70%
Kumasi-Techiman Road (ph2) 40% Completed
Oforikrom-Asokwa Bypass 10% 95%
Sogakope-Adidome-Ho-Fume Rd (ph1) 70% Completed
Bamboi-Tinga Road 55% Completed
Worawora-Dambai Road 10% 79%
Kasardjan Road in Koforidua 40% Completed
Accra CDB Roads (High Street & 50% Completed
Asafiatse Nettey)
Achimota Transport Terminal 70% Completed
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The status of major and critical new road projects initiated by the Government is categorized into the Trunk, Feeder and Urban Roads Programme and are as follows:
Under the Trunk Road Programme;
1. Buipe-Tamale (104km) (IDA): The contract for the rehabilitation/pavement strengthening of this road section has been awarded. The contractor has mobilized to site and works have commenced. (Contractor: China Jianxi International Corporation).
2. Reconstruction of the Asikuma Junction-Hohoe Road (45km) (GOG): The works commenced in October, 2011 and steady progress has been made. (Contractor: GS International Developers).
3. Reconstruction of Dodo Pepesu-Nkwanta Road (46km) (EU): The contract has been awarded to Oumarou Kanazoe of Burkina Faso and works are expected to commence by end of the second quarter of 2012.
4. Reconstruction of Nkwanta-Oti Damanko Road (58km) (GOG):
The Contractor is on site- and the works are ongoing. (Contractor: China Jianxi International Corporation).
5. Rehabilitation of Adomi Bridge (AUSTRIA): Engineering studies for the rehabilitation of the. Bridge have been completed and designs are currently on-going. The rehabilitation works are expected to commence before the end of the 3rd quarter of this year.
6. Reconstruction of Takoradi-Agona Junction (25km) (DANIDA &
GOG): Procurement of consulting services for detailed design and
construction supervision is on-going.
7. Rehabilitation of Agona Junction - Elubo road (110km) (IDA):
Evaluation of works tenders has been completed. Commencement of the works is expected in the second quarter of 2012
8. Reconstruction of Tarkwa-Bogoso-Ayamfuri (94.41km) (EU):
Works are ongoing. (Contractor: Raynonds Construction Co. Ltd)
9. Rehabilitation of Ayamfuri-Asawinso (52.2km) (IDA): Evaluation of tenders for the rehabilitation of this road has been completed and works will commence in the second quarter of 2012.
10. Reconstruction of Fufulso-Sawla Road (147km) (AfDB): Works have commenced from both the Fufulso and Sawla ends of the road by two contractors.
11. Construction of Seven (7) Bridges (BADEA/GOG): to remove bottlenecks on the highway network has commenced at key locations.
Lot 1 over Rivers Aboabo, Birim, Asuboni and Ochi in the Eastern Region and under Lot 2 over Rivers Kalanmua and Sissili in the Upper East Region, and Nanpeni River in the Brong Ahafo Region. Lot 1 is 48% complete and Lot 2 is 44% complete.
12. Rehabilitation of Assin Praso-Bekwai road (60km) (JICA): The-
project is aimed- at improving access between the Central and the
Ashanti Regions. The project is divided into 4 sections. Section 1 has been completed and section 2 is on-going.
Others include:
1. Besoro (Kumawu) - Agogo Road (Ashanti Region) 10.5 km - 82%
2. Hohoe Town Roads (Volta Region) 3km - 86%
3. Sogakofe-Adidome-Ho-Fume Road Phase II (Volta Region) 30km - Completed
4. Bame-Kpedze Road (Volta Region) 21.8km - Mobilization
5. Ho-Tsia to Nyive- Road (Volta Region) 30km - 11%
6. Koforidua-Bunso Road (Eastern Region) 22km – 65%
7. Kasoa-Nyanyano Road (Central Region) 35km - 90%
8. Re-gravelling of Sakpiegu - Nakpanduri Road (Northern Region)
10km - 65%
9. Upgrading of Chuchuliga-Sandema Road (Upper East Region) 4.5km 80%
10. Tumu-Gwollu-Hamile Road (Upper West Region) (km 32-37) 5km -
53%
11. Berekum - Seikwa-Nsoko Road (Brong Ahafo Region) (32.2km) – Mobilisation
12. Asankragwa-Enchi Road (Western Region) 53km -61 %
13. Enchi – DADIESO Road (Western Region) – Works ongoing
14. Berekum-Seikwa-Nsawkaw Road (Brong Ahafo) 32km – works ongoing
15. Navrongo – Tumu Road (Upper West/East Region) (40km) 21%
16. Wa-Han Road (Upper West Region) – (30km) 8%
17.Bomfa Jn. – Asiwa-Bekwai Road (Ashanti Region) (30km) 8%
18. Walewale-Gambaga Road (Northern Region) 36.2km 84%
Mr. Chairman,
Some of the major projects being implemented by the Department of
Feeder Roads are as follows:
1. District Capital Roads Improvement Project (DCR1P) -Japanese Counter Value Fund Sixty-Nine (69) Districts Capitals in all the 10 regions of Ghana are currently benefiting from the programme. The project has been divided
into three phases. On the average, physical completion of the works under Phases 1, 2 and 3 are 84%, 85% and 84% respectively. It is expected that 143km of town roads will be surface dressed by the end of Phase 3 in 2013.
Some of the roads awarded and completed between 2009 and 2011 are:
• Adidome and Krachie Town Roads in the Volta Region
• Afransie Town Roads in the Central Region
• Asankr-agua Town Roads in the Western -Region
• Ejura and Fomena Town Roads in the Ashanti Region
• Yeji and Sampa Town Roads in the Brong Ahafo Reqion
• Bole Town Roads in theNorthern Region
• Bolgatanga Town Roads in the Upper East -Region
• Nadowli Town Roads in the Upper West Region
2. COCOBOD Funded Programmes
COCOBOD has collaborated with our Ministry in rehabilitation, upgrading and maintenance of roads vital for haulage of cocoa, coffee and sheanuts.
Under Tranche 1 (CRIP), a total length of 658km was programmed and 308 km have been completed.
Under Tranche 2 (C-FRIP), a total of 580km was programmed for minor improvement and the contracts are at various stages of completion.
Reconstruction of Elubo-Asemkrom Road (84km) is being undertaken under this programme. The regional distribution of contracts awarded under tranche II of the programme are as follows:-
1. Greater Accra Region - 66km
2. Eastern Region - 75km
3. Volta Region - 71km
4. Central Region -120km
5. Western Region -199km
6. Ashanti Region - 77km
7. Brong Ahafo Region -49km
8. Northern Region -119km
9. Upper East Region -44km
10. Upper West Region -24km
3. Transport Sector Project-(IDA)
Eighty-Four (84) contracts covering a total length of 682km of spot
improvement and minor improvement have been awarded throughout the country. The projects are at various stages of completion. So far, 116km have been completed. Some of the roads completed include:
1. Spot Improvement of Dansabonso-Yaw Sarfo (Ashanti Region) - 8km
2. Spot Improvement of Sabinso-Boase (Brong Ahafo Region) - 4.6km
3. Spot Improvement of Bulbia-Kpasonkpe (Northern Region) 10.6km
4. Poverty Focused Rural Transport Programme (KfW of Germany) This programme is part of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture's programme to provide access to markets in Ashanti and Brong Ahafo Regions. Under the programme, 300km of Feeder Roads are being rehabilitated. Work contracts covering a total length of 87km have so far
been awarded and at various stages of completion. Some of the roads are:
1. Rehabilitation of Aframso-Nkyensie (Ashanti Region) - 8.3km
2. Rehabilitation of Ejura Nkwanta - Kabre (Ashanti Region) - 7.6km
3. Rehabilitation of Hwediem - Makyem Mabre~ (Brong Ahafo Region) - 10.4km
4. Rehabilitation of Junction - Yerempimso (Brong Ahafo Region) - 10.lkm
5. Bridge Programme
The Department of Feeder Roads, under its Bridge .Development Programme has identified 5,000 water crossing points that hamper the provision of basic access to rural communities. Out of this number 1,200
sites have been classified as critical for the effective functioning of the road network.
It is worthy of mention that the Bridge Development Programme forms part of the Ministry's Sector Medium Term development Plan under the Ghana Shared- Growth Development Agenda, which aims at improving the socio-economic life of the rural dwellers.
The provision of bridges has facilitated the safe and economic movement of people, goods and services in the rural communities due to the elimination of long detours.
As at now, about 66 No. steel bridges under the Spanish and Acrow/America bridge programme are under construction. Out of the 66, a total of twenty- four (24) steel bridges have been completed and opened to traffic. In addition, eight (8) have been launched and the rest are at various stages of completion.
Some of the completed bridges include:
• Bridge on river Asuokawkaw (Dodo Amansfrom - Dodfieroad) -Volta Region
• "Bridge on river Bongo (Bongo - 5amblongo road) - Upper East Region
• Bridge on river Aklakpa (Titikope-Dadome. road) - Volta Region
• Bridge on river Ponpon (Nsutapong-Chakachakam road) - Eastern Region
• Bridge on river Afram (Drabonso - Dawia Road) - Ashanti Region
• Bridge on river Okyi (Eshiro In - Eshiro Kwesigyan road) - Central Region
.- Bridge on river Disue (Abochle-Nyankarn Road) - Western Region
• Bridge on river Kunu (Kplaigne-Sekpe Road) -Northern Region
• Bridge on river Kamba (Kurni-Kulkarni road) -Upper West Region
-. Bridge on river Todzie (Avadre) - Volta Region
• -Bridge on river Alabo (near Frankadua) Eastern Region
• Bridges on river Akalakpa (Titikofe, Agorve) Volta Region
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Programme being implemented by the Department of Urban Roads in achieving the Better Ghana Agenda is as follows:
1. Overhaul of Traffic Signals (GOG): Traffic signals in most major
urban centres have been overhauled. Rehabilitation of all traffic signals programmed for 2011 was completed in the following urban centres:
Accra, Tema, Kumasi and Sekondi-Takoradi. The works in the other urban centres are currently ongoing and will be completed by June 2012.
2. Urban Transport Project (IDA/AFD/GEF): The works on Lot 1 involving the expansion of the Odaw bridge and construction of flyover bridges began in September 2010 and is about 75% complete. It is expected that the construction of the pilot Bus Rapid Transit route from Kasoa - UTC will begin in the second quarter of 2012. Other works involving the construction of terminals and secondary road tributaries will begin in the last quarter of 2012 after designs have been completed.
3. Awoshie-Pokuase Road and Community Development Project (AFD/ AfDB): The contractors for the first section (Awoshie to Anyaa) and second section (Anyaa to Pokuase) are both active on site. The payment of compensation to about 1752 project affected persons is 80% complete and ongoing. The removal of properties-from-the Right of Way began in June 2011. Under the Community Development component, extensive consultations have been ongoing with stakeholders to determine the location of transport terminals, schools, health facilities. Provision has been made in the project to improve these facilities also.
4. Transport Sector Project (IDA): This World Bank supported project is designed to open up the Eastern corridor of Accra by providing easy access to the Central Business District (CBD), reducing traffic congestion, and facilitating the free movement of goods and people within the area.
The project involves the construction of 3 two-lane dual carriageway roads totaling about 15km through built-up residential areas. The specific roads to be constructed are the Giffard road and Burma Camp Roads 1 & 2. Three (3) contractors have been awarded the works in 3 Lots. Construction is expected to commence in the latter
part of the 2nd quarter of 2012.
5. Some Projects undertaken with GOG Funds for the period Include the following;
Mr. Chairman,
• Extension of the La-Teshie road (GOG): The southern
carriageway of this road was completed in August 2011 and opened to traffic. Works on the northern carriageway are ongoing and will be completed by June 2012.
• Rehabilitation of Spintex Road - (85%)
• Rehabilitation of Dansoman High street – (75%)
• Construction of GIMPA Bypass - (100%)
• Boundary Road (American House - Madina) – (34%)
• Asphalt Overlay of CBD Roads in Tema – (Completed)
• Rehabilitation of Ashiaman Main Road
And Rehabilitation of Zenu - Ashiaman Road – (90%)
• Construction of Ekon Bridge in Cape Coast – (Completed)
• Emergency Rehabilitation of Baka Lagoon Culvert In Cape Coast - (Completed)
• Adisadel Estates- Roads in Cape Coast – (60%)
--. Rehabilitation of Kaase Road in Kumasi – (Completed)
• Rehabilitation of KNUST Roads – (25%)
• Rehabilitation of Nalung Fong Roads In Takoradi – (Completed)
• Construction of Bridge over Fosu Lagoon
in Cape Coast - Completed
• Construction of Poasi Bridge in Takoradi – 40% Completed
• Reconstruction of CK- and Fiave Road in Ho – 40% Completed
• Rehabilitation of Some Roads in Ho – 30%
• Resealing of 200km of Roads nationwide Completed
In spite of the achievements made, the sector still encountered a number of challenges. Some of the major challenges which continue to confront us include the following:
1. A large portfolio of road projects being implemented, the total value of which far exceeds the budgetary allocation.
2. Inadequate funding leading to deferment of road maintenance programmes.
3. Low delivery capacity of the local construction industry.
4. Inadequate supply of chippings.
5. Inadequate logistics for project supervision.
6. Long delays in honouring contractors' payment certificates.
7. Inadequate supply of chippings and suitable gravel material in some parts of the-country.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Ministry has adopted a number of interventions to address some of
these challenges. These include:
1. A shift in emphasis from upgrading and rehabilitation to routine and periodic maintenance of roads
2. Continuous monitoring and evaluation of on-going projects
3. Strict implementation of planned programmes
4. Exploring private sector financing of road projects
5. Undertaking activities to ensure that the Right-of-Way is kept free from encroachment.
OUTLOOK FOR 2012
Mr. Chairman,
The Ministry will continue to pursue its objectives to improve' access through better distribution and integration of the road network system.
Every region and district will benefit from the road intervention programmes as evidenced in the District Capital Road Improvement Projects (DCRIP), Transport Sector Projects and major trunk road programmes which Government has vigorously pursued over the years.
The construction of these roads is being guided by equity, viability and
transparency.
There are a number of on-going projects that will be substantially completed in 2012. These projects include:
• Achimota-Ofankor road
• Nsawam By-pass,
• La-Teshie road,
• Sunyani road (Sofoline) in Kumasi,
• Tetteh Quarshie - Pantang,
• Dansoman Main Road and selected collectors,
• Spintex road, and
• Ho-Adaklu-Adidome road
New and critical projects will commence in 2012 to improve mobility and
access for accelerated economic activities. These projects include;
• Ayamfuri-Asawinso Road,
• Dodo Pepesu - Nkwanta Road,
• Accra East Corridor roads (Giffard and Burma Camp roads),
• Agona Junction - Elubo and
• 20No. steel bridges on feeder roads in all regions
Road projects to be financed from the China Development Bank (CDB) loan have also been programmed for implementation in 2012.
Mr. Chairman
Distinguished guests
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The road sector programmes are primarily aimed at facilitating socio-economic activities-and meeting the expectation of the people of Ghana as envisage in the Better Ghana Agenda.
It is worthy of mentioning that the road sector has started the execution of the roads as outlined in the NDC Manifesto.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I wish to sincerely thank our stakeholders and collaborating Ministries, in particular, Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning for their cooperation in pursuance of our programmes.
THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS US ALL.
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