Workers at the Ghana Highway Authority (GHA) have raised concerns about the government’s “Big Push” road development programme, warning that the project could face serious setbacks if the Authority’s challenges remain unresolved.
The workers, through their union, say the Authority lacks the resources needed to properly support the large-scale infrastructure plan.
They pointed to poor logistics, outdated equipment, and weak enforcement systems as major obstacles affecting their work.
The union’s National Chairman, Noble Boble Yasroku, questioned how the Authority could successfully carry out its responsibilities under the current conditions.
“How can we effectively support the Big Push when we are poorly resourced? We lack vehicles for monitoring projects, and our laboratories do not have the necessary equipment for testing construction materials. Most of our equipment is obsolete and needs urgent replacement,” he said.
According to Yasroku, several regional offices operate with very limited vehicles, making it difficult for engineers to inspect projects across different parts of the country.
In some situations, staff members spend many hours travelling just to supervise construction works because of transport shortages.
The union also expressed concern about poor enforcement at axle load stations. Members claim political interference has weakened the system and allowed overloaded heavy-duty trucks to continue using the roads without proper checks.
The workers warned that overloading damages roads faster and threatens the country’s investment in infrastructure projects.
They further alleged that some individuals linked to political parties have taken control of certain axle load stations. According to the union, these individuals collect fines without proper accountability, causing the state to lose revenue.
“This is public money that should go into government coffers, but it is being diverted. Without strict enforcement and improved working conditions, investments in road infrastructure risk being eroded prematurely,” the union said.
The workers are now urging the government to quickly provide modern equipment, improve logistics, strengthen enforcement at axle load stations, and protect the Authority from political influence.
They believe these steps are necessary to ensure the success of the government’s “Big Push” infrastructure programme.
