Roads and Highways Minister nominee, Governs Kwame Agbodza, has cast doubt on claims that the government has significantly advanced the construction of concrete roads in Ghana.

According to him, apart from the Accra-Tema Motorway built under President Kwame Nkrumah, no major concrete road projects have been initiated or completed by the previous government.

He made this comment when he appeared before Parliament's Appointment Committee for vetting on Monday, January 20 when he was asked whether the past government had initiated any concrete road as promised.

“Currently, the only public concrete road of significance is the Accra-Tema Motorway built by President Nkrumah. I'm not aware of any major concrete road projects currently ongoing or completed.”

"The fact is that I am not aware government has constructed any concrete road anywhere," he added.

His comments follow a 2017 statement by the then Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, who, during a visit to a privately executed road project in Tema, hinted at plans to shift from asphalt to concrete roads based on recommendations from charismatic bishops.

Mr Agbodza challenged the perception that concrete roads are a cheaper alternative to asphalt roads, explaining that the cost of reinforced concrete roads—constructed with high-quality materials and steel—can exceed asphalt roads by 15% to 30%.

“It is misleading to suggest that concrete roads are cheaper. Engineers and quantity surveyors will confirm that a concrete road, particularly a reinforced concrete slab, is one of the most expensive road construction options,” he explained.

While acknowledging the potential durability of concrete roads in certain contexts, Mr Agbodza called for a realistic assessment of their cost-effectiveness.

He concluded by emphasising the importance of transparency and fiscal responsibility in the government’s road infrastructure agenda, urging a careful approach to road project planning and execution.