The Ministry of Roads and Highways, under the leadership of Minister Francis Asenso-Boakye, is preparing to launch a specialized call centre and mobile application aimed at swiftly addressing public concerns regarding road defects.
A statement from the Ministry outlines that the new Maintenance App will enable citizens to report issues like potholes by uploading photos and providing precise location details directly from their smartphones.
At the Ghana Highway Authority’s 50th-anniversary event in Accra, Minister Asenso-Boakye emphasized the critical need to enhance road maintenance practices nationwide.
He acknowledged a historical trend where significant investments in road development have not been matched with adequate investments in maintenance.
“Successive governments have made significant investments in road development without a corresponding investment in road maintenance.”
To address this disparity, the Ministry has committed to allocating “60% of its annual maintenance budget to support the call centre and app initiative”.
“Prioritizing maintenance, particularly in critical areas like pothole patching and spot improvements, will help address the country’s poor road maintenance culture.”
Minister Asenso-Boakye highlighted the importance of prioritizing maintenance, particularly in crucial areas such as pothole repair and spot improvements, to improve the country’s overall road maintenance standards.
The anniversary celebration, themed “Ghana Highway Authority at 50 – Development and Maintenance of Quality Highways: Retrospect and Prospect,” was attended by Chief of Staff at the Office of the President, Akosua Frema Osei-Opare.
She commended the Ghana Highways Authority for its pivotal role in advancing the nation’s economic development and enhancing connectivity over the past fifty years.
“The Authority has enabled the seamless flow of goods and services across the nation, connecting rural and urban areas and ensuring equal access to opportunities for all citizens, regardless of location,” she noted.
She also paid tribute to the dedicated service of the Authority’s staff, including notable individuals such as Ing. Kwesi Abbey Sam, Ing. H.O.A Quaynor, Ing. B.L.T. Sakibu, and Ing. Sylvia Asare, a trailblazer for female engineers.