Author: Awudu Ishaq
The past couple of weeks in Ghana has seen the domination of the name of the Hon Minister for Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza.
Public discourse, media discussions and the national conversation generally has been about roads and the intervention and impact of the sector Minister.
Hon Governs Kwame Agbodza has left the comfort of his cozy office to tour and inspect government-awarded projects mostly under the Big Push Programme across the country.
Most often than not contractors have always delayed and handled government road projects in a lackadaisical manner believing too well that they would continue to hold on to the contracts no matter what.
It appears the lack of pragmatic and proactive supervision and monitoring contributes enormously to this unfortunate attitude of the contractors which is very inimical and counter-productive.
Politicians and leaders have often been on the receiving end of the anger and frustration by the citizens who never relent in their attempts to have their fair share of the national cake in the form of public goods such as roads.
Fortunately the trend appears to have suffered a blow with the enthusiasm of the present Minister for Roads and Highways – Hon Governs Kwame Agbodza.
The Minister has taken it upon himself as duty to inspect on time, road projects and to see for himself at first-hand the progress of work as well as the quality of work.
In these routine inspection tours, the Minister doesn’t mince words concerning what he sees happening on the project sites. Contractors who are working according to schedule have received praises and recommendations from the Minister. Similarly, errant or inefficient contractors have incurred the wrath of the Minister.
Hon Kwame Agbodza has publicly criticized, called out, reprimanded and warned such errant contractors imploring them to abide by the terms of the contractual agreement or risk facing termination.
This bold and fearless stance by the Minister though not a novelty has breathed a sigh of relief and built some more confidence in the citizens to give power and authority to leaders.
Hitherto, the citizens appeared to have lost faith and confidence in the ability of political leaders to stand up to their mandate and demand of contractors to deliver projects according to schedule and specification.
The bold, fearless, proactive and pragmatic leadership style of Hon Kwame Agbodza is undoubtedly redefining the role of a Minister and the expectation from the appointing authority and the citizens.
In seventeen months of President John Mahama’s administration, a spotlight in his cabinet is Mr Kwame Agbodza who has shown enormous commitment and dedication to supporting the president to realize the dream of providing good, quality roads to Ghanaians through the Big Push Agenda.
The question on the lips and in the minds of most Ghanaians is “Is Hon Governs Kwame Agbodza the standard in redefining the role of a Minister?” To many, he is.
By Awudu Ishaq
11th May, 2026.
