Roads and Highways Minister Kwame Governs Agbodza has publicly rejected a higher contract figure circulating on social media and in broadcast commentary, insisting that the rehabilitation of the Dodo Pepesu to Nkwanta road was awarded at GH¢683,902,957.69 and not the GH¢854 million being attributed to the project in public discussion.
The clarification followed a broadcast on Accra-based Joy News in which commentator Suleman Braimah argued that the contract sum for the rehabilitation exceeded the amount originally spent to construct the road, framing it as evidence of cost inflation under the government’s Big Push infrastructure programme.
“Also disregard any misinformation about a so-called contract that has been awarded at GH¢120 million more than the actual price. Let me say categorically the contract amount of Dodo Pepesu to Nkwanta remains GH¢683,902,957.69,” Agbodza said.
The Dodo Pepesu to Nkwanta contract is one of the specific projects singled out by critics following an investigative report by The Fourth Estate, which used Right to Information (RTI) requests to allege that 81 sole-sourced contracts valued at more than GH¢73 billion were awarded within seven months under the Big Push initiative, with approximately 76 percent of those contracts processed outside competitive bidding.
The minister said the project covers 46 kilometres of the Eastern Corridor Road, a critical north-south transport link designated as National Road N2, and described the work as a comprehensive structural rehabilitation rather than routine patching. The scope includes the removal of failed road layers, construction of drainage infrastructure, placement of a new sub-base and crushed rock base, and an asphaltic concrete wearing course, as well as the installation of road signage, markings and safety features.
The minister said the road, originally completed in 2015, had received no major maintenance since then and had deteriorated significantly due to traffic loading, weather exposure and surface failures, resulting in potholes, rutting and safety hazards that increased vehicle operating costs along the corridor.
The broader controversy has intensified partly because of pledges President John Dramani Mahama made at his 2025 and 2026 State of the Nation Addresses to minimise sole-source procurement, including a commitment to introduce legislation effectively banning the practice except in exceptional circumstances, pledges that critics say sit in direct conflict with the procurement record now under scrutiny.
The Fourth Estate has indicated it intends to publish further disclosures on the Big Push contracts, including full contractor identities and contract sums, to enable independent public scrutiny.
Read a full explainer below
Rehabilitation of Dodo Pepesu – Nkwanta Road (46km)
The Dodo Pepesu–Nkwanta Road is a critical segment of the Eastern Corridor (N2), serving as a major north–south transport link that facilitates the movement of goods, services, and people across the eastern belt of the country. The 46km stretch was originally completed in 2015. However, since its completion, the road has not undergone any periodic or major maintenance interventions. Over time, the combined effects of traffic loading, weather conditions, and natural deterioration led to the formation of extensive potholes, rutting, and surface depressions. These defects significantly reduced riding quality, increased vehicle operating costs, and created serious safety hazards for commuters and freight operators using the corridor.
Recognizing the strategic importance of the route and the need to restore its functionality, the Government awarded a contract in 2025 for the full rehabilitation of the road at a cost of GHS 683.9 million. The project is designed not merely as a maintenance intervention, but as a comprehensive upgrade to bring the road to a standard consistent with other sections of the Eastern Corridor.
The scope of works includes the scarification of the existing bituminous surface to remove failed layers and prepare the pavement for reconstruction. This is followed by the construction of essential drainage infrastructure, including U-drains and trap drains, to effectively manage surface and subsurface water—one of the primary causes of pavement failure in the area. The pavement structure will be strengthened with the placement of a natural gravel sub-base and crushed rock base, designed to improve load-bearing capacity and durability under increasing traffic volumes.
The final wearing course will consist of asphaltic concrete surfacing, providing a smooth, durable, and all-weather riding surface. In addition, the project includes the installation of road furniture such as signage, road markings, and safety features to enhance visibility, regulate traffic, and improve overall road safety.
Upon completion, the rehabilitation of the Dodo Pepesu–Nkwanta Road is expected to significantly improve travel times, reduce vehicle maintenance costs, and enhance safety for all road users.
