Ghana’s Roads and Highways Minister, Kwame Agbodza, has revealed that smaller contractors are outperforming large construction firms under the government’s flagship Big Push infrastructure programme.
The remarks followed a working tour across the Bono, Savannah, and Upper West regions, where the Minister assessed progress on key road projects.
Key Finding: Small Firms Delivering Better Results
According to the Minister, performance on the ground has challenged long-held assumptions about contractor capacity.
“The small contractors under Big Push are doing better than the big ones,” Mr Agbodza stated.
He emphasised that contract size or company reputation would not shield underperforming firms from sanctions.
Big Contractors Under Pressure
The Minister expressed frustration over what he described as a pattern of underperformance among large contractors.
He noted that many firms made strong commitments during the bidding process but failed to meet expectations once contracts were awarded.
A key concern highlighted was delays in project execution, particularly on major road corridors.
Spotlight: Wenchi–Bole–Wa Highway
The Wenchi–Bole–Wa Highway, a critical route linking the Bono and Savannah regions, was singled out during the tour.
The Minister criticised the pace of work and warned that contracts could be terminated if progress does not improve.
Specific Case: Maripoma Construction
One company mentioned during the inspection was Maripoma Construction.
Mr Agbodza alleged that the firm only mobilised resources to the project site shortly before his visit.
“You packed and came to site just yesterday because you heard we were coming,” he said.
He warned that the government would not hesitate to terminate contracts where performance falls short.
New Enforcement Approach
The Minister made it clear that the government is shifting toward stricter enforcement under the Big Push programme.
Key measures include:
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Contract termination for delays
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Increased monitoring of project timelines
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Greater accountability for contractors
“No contractor is bigger than government. We will terminate and meet in court if necessary,” he stated.
Why Big Firms Are Struggling
According to the Minister, the issue reflects a broader culture in Ghana’s construction sector where deadlines are often not strictly enforced.
He argued that the absence of penalties in the past allowed contractors to delay projects without consequences.
Under the current administration, however, that approach is changing.
Why Small Contractors Are Succeeding
The performance of smaller contractors has drawn attention for several reasons:
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Stronger accountability
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Faster mobilisation
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Closer ties to local communities
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Higher motivation to deliver
Experts say these factors may be more critical than financial size in ensuring project success.
Bigger Picture: Ghana’s Infrastructure Push
The Big Push programme is a key government initiative aimed at accelerating infrastructure development, particularly in road construction.
Officials say successful delivery of these projects is essential for:
What Happens Next
The Ministry of Roads and Highways is expected to:
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Review performance of all contractors
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Enforce stricter contract conditions
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Reassign projects where necessary
Observers say the outcome could reshape how public contracts are awarded in Ghana.
Quick Explainer
Who is performing better under Big Push?
Small contractors.
What is the main issue with big firms?
Delays and failure to meet commitments.
What action will government take?
Terminate contracts if performance does not improve.
