Sekondi-Takoradi: ‘Claims contractor abandoned PTC interchange project due to debt inaccurate’ — Roads Ministry

The Ministry of Roads and Highways has refuted claims that the contractor responsible for the PTC Interchange Project in Sekondi-Takoradi abandoned the project due to unpaid debts.

In response to a recent video posted by Skyy Power 93.5 FM, which suggested that the contractor halted construction because of the government’s debt obligations, the Ministry clarified the circumstances behind the project’s delay and provided assurance of its eventual completion.

In a press release dated November 13, the Ministry stated that the video, which has circulated widely on social media, “contains inaccuracies and distortions of the facts about the PTC Interchange Project.”

The Ministry explained that while work on the project had indeed been temporarily suspended, it was not due to abandonment by the contractor, as claimed, but rather due to the Government of Ghana’s Debt Restructuring Programme.

The PTC Interchange Project, which began in December 2020 under the Sinohydro Master Project Support Agreement between Ghana and China, was initially scheduled for completion in June 2023.

However, according to the Ministry, the government’s debt restructuring programme led to a temporary pause in December 2022 when the project had reached approximately 80 percent completion.

The Ministry further revealed that the contractor requested permission in September 2024 to dismantle certain sections of the interchange for safety reasons.

“Due to safety concerns arising from the theft of scaffolding, rotten wooden formwork, and corroded iron rods,” the contractor sought to dismantle the formwork, the Ministry noted.

Permission was granted in accordance with Clause 4.8 of the Conditions of Contract, which underscores the contractor’s responsibility for ensuring site safety and public protection.

“This decision was made to avoid any unforeseen accidents,” stated Nasir Ahmad Yartey, Head of the Ministry’s Public Relations Unit.

Highlighting the government’s efforts to resume the project, the Ministry assured the public that negotiations are underway to bring the contractor back to the site following the government’s successful completion of the Debt Exchange Programme.

The Ministry emphasized that talks with financial partners are ongoing to secure funding for the project’s continuation, which also aligns with recent government achievements in restarting other critical infrastructure projects, including the Obetsebi Lamptey Interchange Phase II, the Tema-Akosombo Road Project, and the Tema-Aflao Road Project.

“The government is committed to completing the PTC Interchange Project,” Yartey affirmed, “and is exploring all funding options available to ensure the project’s timely completion.”