Roads Minister Calls For Extended Defect Liability Period
Minister Agbodza proposes lengthening contractor defect periods beyond one year on projects like Accra-Kumasi N6.
Minister of Roads and Highways Governs Kwame Agbodza has called for a change to the one-year defect liability period in road contracts. He argues contractors should be held accountable for longer periods after government payment completion. Extending responsibility would address frequent road defects that emerge post-commissioning. Speaking during an inspection of the Accra-Kumasi N6 highway on September 29, he noted current practice ends liability too soon. This contradicts the expected 30-year infrastructure lifespan.
Agbodza disclosed discussions with the Ministries of Finance and Works and Housing to implement the reform. ‘If you build a road that should last 30 years, why is contractor liability only one year?’ he questioned. He stressed that premature liability expiration leaves public funds vulnerable to poor-quality work. Several project execution errors exemplify this risk.
Proposal emerged during hands-on oversight visit to assess ongoing N6 highway construction. The Minister emphasized that extended accountability would strengthen infrastructure quality control. It represents part of broader efforts to enforce contractual specifications.
Public investment protection remains central to the initiative. Longer defect periods would compel adherence to engineering standards across all road projects nationwide. Construction firms would face sustained scrutiny beyond initial handover.
No specific new timeframe was provided in the statement. Implementation would follow ongoing stakeholder consultations across relevant government sectors.
