The Ministry of Roads and Highways has announced new measures aimed at eliminating substandard bitumen from Ghana’s road construction sector.
Addressing industry stakeholders earlier Tuesday, the Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Agbodza, stressed: “Government is committed to ensuring that only high-quality bitumen is used in the country’s road sector, particularly for the ‘Big Push’ projects.”
“We are determined to establish a clear policy direction and a robust regulatory framework that guarantees durable and cost-effective road infrastructure.”
He reiterated that “the Government remains resolute in its commitment to delivering road infrastructure that offers true value for money for the people of Ghana.”The reforms seek to strengthen regulations, introduce a licensing regime, update technical specifications, and ensure full traceability of bitumen from source to construction site.To advance these efforts, the Minister has established a technical working committee tasked with ensuring bitumen quality across the country’s road construction industry. The committee will also provide evidence-based policy recommendations to enhance regulation, accreditation, and overall bitumen management.Agbodza noted that the overarching aim is to guarantee the use of quality bitumen nationwide, especially under the ‘Big Push’ initiative, while promoting a sustainable and cost-effective supply chain, improving transparency in procurement processes, and aligning Ghana’s standards with global best practices.Stakeholders at the meeting welcomed the intervention and highlighted key operational challenges, including the lack of effective regulation governing imports, the negative impact of black-market activities, and persistent inconsistencies in product standards among suppliers.