Don’t Be Intimidated by Politically Connected Contractors – Agbodza Tells Engineers

The Minister for Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza, has urged engineers supervising government road projects to remain professionally independent and hold contractors accountable, regardless of their political connections.

According to Mr. Agbodza, engineers must have the confidence to rely on their professional judgement and take appropriate action whenever contractors fail to meet contractual obligations or comply with approved project specifications.

Speaking to Citi News, the Minister cautioned engineers against being intimidated by contractors perceived to have close relationships with senior government officials, including ministers and the President.

He stressed that no contractor should be considered untouchable because of political or personal connections, insisting that professional standards must remain the guiding principle in the supervision and execution of road projects.

“There was a culture where maybe engineers felt that contractor A is a friend of the minister or the president. If I go hard on him or her, they will report me and something will happen to me, and that is why you hear me saying that no contractor is bigger than the smallest engineer supervising you.”

Mr. Agbodza encouraged engineers to exercise courage in dealing with contractors and to enforce the terms of their contracts without fear or favour.

“Even if my mother is a contractor, you are overseeing. Deal with him or her in the way that is within your professional view. I don’t think there is any contractor closer to me or the president or anybody who has got the licence to do the wrong thing or delay any project.”

The Minister’s comments highlight the critical role of effective engineering supervision in ensuring that government road projects are delivered according to agreed specifications, timelines and quality standards.

He further stressed that political considerations and personal relationships must not interfere with the professional responsibilities of engineers tasked with overseeing public infrastructure projects.