Agbodza Directs GHA to Establish Bitumen Testing Facilities in Three Regions

According to a report by 3News published on November 12, 2026, the Minister of Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza, has directed the Ghana Highway Authority (GHA) to establish bitumen testing facilities in the Greater Accra, Ashanti and Northern Regions.

The directive is aimed at strengthening quality assurance in road construction and ensuring that bitumen used for infrastructure projects meets the required standards.

Governs Kwame Agbodza gave the directive during a meeting with bitumen suppliers operating in Ghana, where discussions focused on challenges affecting the availability and distribution of the important road construction material.

The meeting followed concerns raised by road contractors during the Minister’s recent inspections of ongoing Big Push projects. Contractors identified inadequate bitumen supply as one of the major challenges slowing down construction activities.

Bitumen is an essential material used in asphalt production and road surfacing. Its quality plays an important role in determining the durability and performance of roads under heavy traffic and changing weather conditions.

The Minister stressed the need for improved collaboration among suppliers to ensure that the growing demand for bitumen from contractors is adequately met.

He also called for greater efficiency throughout the supply and distribution chain, explaining that delays in obtaining construction materials could undermine the government’s efforts to accelerate road infrastructure development.

Governs Kwame Agbodza further encouraged suppliers to explore Ghana’s local production capacity as part of measures to strengthen domestic supply and reduce the country’s dependence on external sources.

The suppliers, in response, assured the Minister that requests from road contractors would be met. They also pledged their commitment to supporting the timely execution of road projects across the country.

The proposed testing facilities in the three regions are expected to improve access to bitumen quality assessment services and help ensure that materials supplied for road construction satisfy the required specifications.

The initiative forms part of broader efforts by the Roads and Highways Ministry to address construction challenges, improve the quality of road infrastructure and ensure that ongoing projects are completed efficiently.

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