The worsening condition of the Pokuase–Nsawam road has prompted the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) to plan a sit-down strike in the coming days.

Speaking to the media on Saturday, 17 August 2025, the Union's National Deputy Public Relations Officer, Samuel Amoah, indicated that the strike is scheduled for Thursday, 21 August, if the government fails to meet its one-week deadline ending Wednesday, 19 August.

The Deputy PRO emphasized that the poor state of the road is costing transport operators heavily through expensive repairs, frequent breakdowns, and increased safety risks.

He explained that the Union had previously engaged Roads Minister Kwame Governs Agbodza, who requested a six-week grace period, assuring them that the government had already released funds for road repairs.

However, Mr. Amoah stressed that since their last engagement with the Minister, no work has begun on the road, and the Union will not reconsider its decision to strike until contractors are seen on-site.

“The only thing that will make us change our mind is to see the contractors going back to the road. That is the only thing because when we approached Honourable Agbodza he gave us his word that he is giving us only six weeks. That monies have been released. The question is what is the change.

“If you check our release we said that we will park the vehicles till we see the government sending the contractors on the roads… We gave the government one week that will elapse on Wednesday so after Wednesday then we kick it off… It is not a demonstration, it is a sit down strike,” he added.

The Union has called on residents, commuters, and all affected road users to rally behind them for a permanent fix to the Pokuase–Nsawam road.

The Pokuase–Nsawam road is a key highway linking Greater Accra with the Eastern, Ashanti, and Northern regions. However, the poor condition of the road has been hampering economic activity and worsening the burden on commuters.

The GPRTU, together with the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC) and other stakeholders, has consistently demanded a permanent solution. They have described the stretch as deplorable and dangerous.

In July this year, Parliament unanimously endorsed the government’s proposal to divert all royalties from oil revenues and mineral resources to support the implementation of the Big Push Programme.

This decision followed the government’s request for parliamentary approval to commit funds for the construction of specific road projects. According to the joint committee on budget and finance, “The Committee has carefully considered the Referral and it is of the opinion that the request is in the right direction.

“The Committee also noted that Parliament had already approved the policy and the allocation to the ‘Big Push’ Programme in the 2025 Budget Statement. Granting the request would enable the Government to enter into multi-year contracts to execute the road infrastructure projects under the Programme.

“The Committee accordingly recommends to the House to approve the Request for the multi-year commitments for the selected road projects under the ‘Big Push’ Programme contained in the Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review of the 2025 Budget Statement and Economic Policy of the Government of Ghana, in accordance with Section 33 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016, (Act 921).”

The initiative, aimed at improving road infrastructure nationwide, is estimated at GH¢13.8 billion. It is expected to be completed by 2028 with support from the country’s own financial resources.

According to the 2025 budget, the Road Fund owes GH¢5.75 billion, with GH¢2.81 billion allocated for road maintenance. This represents a 155.5% increase from the 2024 allocation of GH¢1.1 billion, underscoring the government’s emphasis on sustaining Ghana’s road network.

With Ghana’s economy valued at GH¢1.2 trillion, stakeholders are closely monitoring how the government balances infrastructure expansion with financial obligations. Earlier this year, Minister for Roads and Highways Kwame Governs Agbodza revealed that the government would settle GH¢4 billion of the debt owed to road contractors.

Currently, the government owes road contractors GH¢21 billion, according to the Minister. President John Dramani Mahama has also announced plans to begin paying part of this debt within the month.

“The Ministry of Finance has made dedicated financial allocations to address a substantial portion of the outstanding debts. We expect this to bring much-needed relief to the contractors and help accelerate the delivery of critical infrastructure,” the President stated.

He made these revelations during a meeting with members of the Council of State at the Presidency on Monday, July 7.

President Mahama emphasized his government’s commitment to infrastructure development under the 24-hour economy agenda. He said prioritizing road construction and the swift resumption of stalled projects will be key to promoting economic growth and productivity by ensuring regional connectivity.

The announcement has been met with excitement and optimism by many stakeholders in the construction sector. The Ghana Institute of Engineers and the Association of Road Contractors have welcomed the President's statement but have called for transparency.

They have urged the government to publish clear timelines and payment schedules to enable contractors to plan and mobilize resources effectively.

In March this year, Deputy Minister for Roads and Highways, Alhassan Suhuyini, acknowledged the significant financial burden facing the government in clearing outstanding debts owed to contractors and suppliers.

His remarks followed the presentation of the 2025 budget by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, who disclosed that the government’s total commitments to contractors stand at a staggering GH¢67.5 billion.

This amount comprises GH¢49.2 billion in unpaid Interim Payment Certificates and invoices from Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), as well as GH¢18.3 billion in outstanding Bank Transfer Advice at the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department.

Speaking to The Independent Ghana on Tuesday, Suhuyini admitted that while the government is committed to addressing some of these debts, it cannot clear the full amount immediately.

"They should have absolute confidence that we will settle some of the debts," he assured. "However, we obviously cannot clear everything at once. The total financial commitment stands at about GH¢100 billion, with unpaid certificates alone amounting to GH¢21 billion. The decision to uncap the Road Fund is a step in the right direction, but it will only make GH¢2 billion available—far from enough to cover even the unpaid certificates."

He emphasized the importance of prioritizing road maintenance, a sector that has suffered from years of neglect. "The minister has stressed that a significant portion of these funds will be directed toward road maintenance. This is a smart move because our poor maintenance culture has resulted in roads deteriorating within 8 to 10 years instead of lasting longer," he explained.

Suhuyini noted that, in addition to paying off some existing road maintenance debts, the government is pursuing a broader infrastructure push.

"With GH¢10 to GH¢13 billion allocated under the ‘Big Push’ initiative, several new road projects will commence while some outstanding debts will also be retired. As Ghana’s economy is valued at GH¢1.2 trillion, stakeholders are keen on seeing how the government will balance infrastructure development with financial obligations. If you look at the Big Push and the amount allocated, about GH¢10 to GH¢13 billion, many of the projects under the Big Push are road projects. So that will enable us, you know, to start new projects and also retire some of the old debts," he said.