Kwame Agbodza Blames Street Light Issues on Delayed Contractor Payments
Kwame Governs Agbodza, Roads and Highways Minister-Designate, has attributed the poor state of street lighting across Ghana to delays in contractor payments, some spanning up to 2,464 days.
During his vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on January 20, 2025, Mr. Agbodza responded to concerns raised about the lack of proper street illumination in parts of the country. He explained that delays in payments, compounded by 30% interest rates on arrears, have discouraged banks from financing these projects.
“It is strange that you drive through parts of our city at night, and the roads are poorly lit, with no signage,” Agbodza said, emphasizing the need for prompt payment as a solution.
Addressing the Accra-Tema Motorway’s ongoing renovation, Agbodza admitted the project’s contractual framework complicates immediate solutions to lighting issues but hinted at temporary measures to improve visibility.
He further identified fragmented responsibilities for street lighting—spread among the Ministry of Local Government, Ministry of Energy, and local assemblies—as a major barrier to effective management.
To resolve these challenges, Agbodza proposed reforms to streamline contractor payments, requiring collaboration with stakeholders such as the Ministry of Finance and the Attorney General’s office.
