The bill, which was approved on Friday, July 25, addresses long-standing concerns surrounding the underperformance of the existing Road Fund. The new law establishes a dedicated financing mechanism to provide consistent, transparent, and sustainable support for the maintenance and rehabilitation of roads, bridges, and related transport infrastructure across Ghana.

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Solving Chronic Underfunding and Governance Challenges

According to government officials, the former system failed to deliver on routine and periodic road maintenance due to outdated institutional frameworks and unreliable disbursement of funds. These inefficiencies led to a decline in road quality, higher vehicle operating costs, and increased road safety risks for commuters and transport operators.

During parliamentary debates, the Minister for Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza, highlighted the importance of the new bill.

“This new law provides a reliable, efficient financing framework for road maintenance and ensures that the resources allocated will be used judiciously. It also includes stringent penalties to deter misappropriation and abuse,” he stated.

A New Era of Accountability and Equity

The legislation introduces performance-based financing, promotes greater accountability, and ensures a more equitable distribution of maintenance resources across the national road network. These reforms are expected to streamline operations and improve oversight mechanisms that have previously been susceptible to corruption and inefficiencies.

With the bill now passed, the implementation of the Road Maintenance Trust Fund is scheduled to begin in the next fiscal year. Authorities say this will usher in a new era of disciplined spending and transparent governance aimed at safeguarding Ghana’s transport infrastructure for future generations.

As Ghana continues to pursue its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, the enactment of this bill signifies a critical step toward building a resilient and inclusive road system capable of supporting long-term economic growth.

source: modernghana