Excerpt
The Ghana Highway Authority (GHA) is a crucial institution in Ghana responsible for the development, management, and maintenance of the country’s road infrastructure. Below is a detailed exploration of its historical background, operations, constitutional framework, leadership structure, and collaborative institutions.
Historical Overview
The Ghana Highway Authority was established in 1974 by the National Redemption Council (NRC Decree 298) to manage and maintain trunk roads in Ghana.
Pre-GHA Period:
- Before its establishment, road infrastructure development was under the purview of the Public Works Department (PWD).
Expansion:
- The GHA emerged from the need to create a specialized entity focused on road networks vital to Ghana’s economic growth and connectivity.
Key Milestones
- The GHA transitioned into a leading infrastructure agency with regional offices to manage the growing road network.
- Played a pivotal role in introducing modern road engineering and maintenance technologies.
Constitutional Bindings
The GHA operates under Ghanaian law and policy frameworks, including:
Article 35 (7) of the 1992 Constitution:
- Emphasizes national development through infrastructure.
Road Fund Act, 1997 (Act 536):
- Provides funding for road construction and maintenance under the GHA.
Public Procurement Act (Act 663):
- Governs the procurement of roadworks contracts to ensure transparency and accountability.
Operations
The GHA manages approximately 15,000 kilometres of trunk roads, focusing on:
Planning and Design:
- Conducts feasibility studies, surveys, and designs for new road projects.
Construction Supervision:
- Oversees contractors for the development of new roads and infrastructure.
Maintenance:
- Implements regular and emergency road maintenance programs to ensure durability and safety.
Research and Development:
- Explores innovative materials and techniques to improve road standards.
Offices and Departments
The GHA operates through a centralized structure with regional offices across Ghana:
Head Office (Accra):
- Houses the Director-General and senior management.
Regional Offices:
- Serve as operational hubs for managing projects in specific regions.
Key Departments:
Engineering Services:
- Handles design and supervision of road projects.
Maintenance Department:
- Focuses on preserving road conditions.
Finance Department:
- Manages funding and budgeting.
Human Resource and Administration:
- Supports staff development and recruitment.
Leadership
The leadership structure of the GHA includes:
Board of Directors:
- Governs the Authority, providing strategic oversight.
Director-General:
- The chief executive officer, responsible for day-to-day operations
Departmental Heads:
- Oversee specific areas like engineering, finance, and research.
Functions and Roles
The GHA plays a critical role in Ghana’s road transport sector:
Road Network Development:
- Constructs and upgrades roads to meet national and regional needs.
Infrastructure Maintenance:
- Ensures roads remain functional and safe.
Policy Implementation:
- Implements government policies related to transportation infrastructure.
Advisory Role:
- Advises the Ministry of Roads and Highways on technical and policy issues.
Overseers
The GHA operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Roads and Highways, which ensures alignment with national transportation policies.
Minister of Roads and Highways:
- Provides policy direction.
Parliament:
- Oversees budgeting and accountability for road infrastructure projects.
Method of Appointments
Appointments to leadership positions in the GHA are governed by laws and public service regulations:
Director-General:
- Appointed by the President of Ghana, often with input from the Public Services Commission.
Board Members:
Appointed by the government to represent stakeholders and ensure transparency.
Collaborative Offices and Institutions
The GHA collaborates with several institutions to achieve its mandate:
Department of Urban Roads (DUR):
- Focuses on urban road management.
Department of Feeder Roads (DFR):
- Manages rural road networks.
Ghana Road Fund Secretariat:
- Provides financial resources for road maintenance.
Local Governments:
- Work with the GHA on decentralized road projects.
National Road Safety Authority (NRSA):
- Partners with GHA to improve road safety.