Accra, Ghana – Roads and Highways Minister Kwame Governs Agbodza has directed the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Highways Authority, Mallam Issah Ishak, to initiate the termination of the contract with Black Oak, the company tasked with rehabilitating the Bogoso–Prestea Road. The directive comes after significant delays and minimal progress on the crucial infrastructure project.
Background of the Bogoso–Prestea Road Project
The contract for the Bogoso–Prestea Road was awarded in 2025 with the expectation of timely commencement and completion. However, the contractor, Black Oak, did not mobilize to the project site until March 2026. This delay of over a year significantly hampered the project’s timeline from the outset.
Following their eventual arrival, the contractor reportedly cleared the sides of the road but subsequently abandoned the site. Their stated reason for leaving was the alleged lack of access to the project’s design documents. This explanation has been met with skepticism by the Ministry.
Minimal Progress and Ministerial Intervention
During a recent inspection tour of the ‘Big Push’ projects in the Western Region, Minister Agbodza visited the Bogoso–Prestea Road site. Despite this road not being officially part of the ‘Big Push’ initiative, the Minister emphasized its importance as a priority government project. He expressed dissatisfaction with the contractor’s performance.
According to the Regional Highways Engineer, less than two percent of the work on the Bogoso–Prestea Road has been completed since the contract was awarded. This minuscule progress underscores the severity of the delays and the contractor’s failure to meet contractual obligations.
Government’s Stance on Project Delays
Minister Agbodza made it clear during his inspection that the government will not tolerate further delays on such a vital road. He asserted that the contractor’s actions are unacceptable and that the Highways Authority must act swiftly to rectify the situation. The directive to terminate the contract signifies the government’s firm stance against underperformance in public infrastructure projects.
The Bogoso–Prestea Road serves as a critical link for transportation and economic activity in the Western Region. Its delayed completion impacts local communities, businesses, and the overall development agenda of the area.
Implications for Future Projects and Contractors
The termination of Black Oak’s contract sends a strong message to all contractors working on government projects. It highlights the Ministry’s commitment to accountability and timely project delivery. This action may lead to increased scrutiny of contractor performance and stricter enforcement of contract terms in the future.
For the residents and businesses in the Bogoso and Prestea areas, the termination could mean a renewed effort to find a competent contractor and expedite the road’s completion. However, the process of re-tendering and selecting a new contractor could introduce further delays, a prospect the Ministry will likely seek to minimize. The focus will now shift to how efficiently the Ghana Highways Authority can onboard a new contractor and ensure progress on this essential infrastructure.
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