The Minister of Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, has directed the Ghana Highway Authority (GHA) to establish bitumen testing facilities in the Greater Accra, Ashanti and Northern Regions to strengthen quality assurance and improve accessibility to testing services for road construction projects nationwide.
The directive was issued during a meeting with bitumen suppliers in Ghana convened to address concerns over inadequate supplies of the product, which contractors have identified as a major challenge affecting the pace of work on ongoing Big Push road projects.
The concerns were raised during the Minister’s recent inspection of key road projects under the government’s flagship infrastructure programme.
Addressing the suppliers, Mr. Agbodza emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among industry players to ensure that the rising demand for bitumen is adequately met to support the timely execution of critical road projects across the country.
He further called for greater efficiency within the supply and distribution chain to prevent shortages that could delay project implementation.
The Minister also urged suppliers to explore Ghana’s local capacity for bitumen production as part of efforts to strengthen domestic supply and reduce reliance on external sources.
According to him, developing local production capabilities would enhance sustainability in the sector and contribute to the long-term growth of the road construction industry.
Representatives of the bitumen suppliers assured the Minister that the industry’s supply challenges would be addressed and pledged to meet contractors’ requests for the product.
They reiterated their commitment to supporting the successful execution of road infrastructure projects by ensuring the availability of adequate quantities of bitumen when required.
The move forms part of efforts by the Ministry of Roads and Highways to improve construction standards, enhance quality control measures, and accelerate the delivery of road projects under the government’s infrastructure development agenda.