Challenges including unpaid maintenance debts, vandalism, damage caused by utility companies and the theft of solar traffic signal components have left about 35% of the country’s traffic signals out of operation, according to the Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza.
The minister disclosed this when the Committee on Economy and Development met officials from the Ministry of Roads and Highways and the National Development Planning Commission to review the ministry’s performance against targets outlined in the 2024 National Annual Progress Report.
Mr Agbodza said about 65% of traffic signals across the country were currently operational, while several factors continued to affect the functionality of the remaining systems.
He identified unpaid maintenance debts, acts of vandalism, infrastructure damage resulting from the activities of utility companies and the theft of solar powered traffic signal components as the main challenges facing the network.
The minister also stressed the need for realistic targets that align with available funding, saying this would help improve project delivery and overall performance within the sector.
He further stated that road projects initiated by previous governments were being continued to support national development and improve road safety, emphasising that infrastructure development should rise above political considerations.
The meeting formed part of efforts by the committee to assess progress made by the ministry, identify gaps and recommend measures to strengthen performance across key sectors of the economy.
Members of the committee also underscored the importance of ensuring the equitable distribution of road infrastructure across all regions so that communities nationwide can benefit from improved transport services.
