Excerpt
The Ministry of Roads and Highways (MRH) in Ghana plays a critical role in the development, management, and maintenance of road infrastructure in the country. This document provides a comprehensive overview of the ministry, its history, functions, constitutional foundation, leadership, and affiliated institutions.
Historical Overview
The Ministry of Roads and Highways traces its origins to Ghana’s early post-independence era when infrastructure development became a national priority. Key milestones include:
- 1960s: The establishment of the Public Works Department (PWD) under Kwame Nkrumah’s administration to handle construction and maintenance of public infrastructure.
- 1970s–1980s: As the country’s road network expanded, the ministry underwent restructuring to focus solely on road transport infrastructure.
- 1990s: The Ministry of Roads and Highways was formally institutionalized to oversee policy formulation and implementation for road development.
- 2000s-Present: The ministry has spearheaded numerous road and highway projects, including urban roads, highways, and feeder road systems.
Operations
The Ministry of Roads and Highways is responsible for:
Policy Formulation:
- Developing policies for road and highway construction, maintenance, and rehabilitation.
Infrastructure Development:
- Designing and implementing road projects to enhance connectivity and economic growth.
Road Safety:
- Ensuring the development of safe road networks
Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs):
- Partnering with private entities to fund and develop road infrastructure.
Constitutional Backing
The Ministry of Roads and Highways operates under the authority of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, which grants the executive branch the power to establish ministries to oversee specific sectors of governance.
- Article 190(1) of the Constitution permits the creation of public services to manage sectors like transportation.
- Article 36(2)(d) mandates the state to promote balanced infrastructure development.
Offices Under the Ministry
The ministry comprises various departments and agencies that execute its mandate:
Ghana Highways Authority (GHA):
- Responsible for the construction and maintenance of trunk roads and highways.
Department of Urban Roads (DUR):
- Manages road infrastructure in cities and towns
Department of Feeder Roads (DFR):
- Focuses on rural road networks to enhance connectivity.
Leadership
Leadership in the Ministry of Roads and Highways includes:
Minister for Roads and Highways:
- The political head, appointed by the President and approved by Parliament.
Deputy Ministers:
- Assist the minister in implementing policies.
Chief Director:
- The administrative head who oversees the ministry’s operations and ensures the effective execution of policies.
Directors of Departments:
- Lead the Ghana Highways Authority, Department of Urban Roads, and Department of Feeder Roads.
Appointment Methods
Ministerial Appointment:
- The President appoints the Minister for Roads and Highways, subject to Parliamentary approval.
Departmental Heads:
- Heads of agencies like GHA and DUR are appointed based on merit and experience in civil engineering and public administration.
Overseers
The Ministry is overseen by:
The President of Ghana:
- Exercises ultimate authority over the ministry’s operations.
Parliament:
- Provides legislative oversight, approves budgets, and holds the ministry accountable for its performance.
Auditor-General:
- Audits the financial and operational activities of the ministry.
Institutions Working with the Ministry
Several institutions collaborate with the ministry, including:
National Road Safety Authority (NRSA):
- Ensures road safety standards are met.
Ghana Road Fund:
- Provides funding for road maintenance and rehabilitation.
Local Assemblies:
- Work with the Department of Urban Roads for city road development
Private Construction Firms:
- Often contracted for road construction and maintenance projects.
References:
- Ghana Highways Authority (GHA) – www.highways.gov.gh
- Ministry of Roads and Highways Official Site – www.mrh.gov.gh
- 1992 Constitution of Ghana – Available through the Ghana Legal Council or online repositories.
- National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) Reports on road infrastructure in Ghana.