Minority MPs challenge suspension of Roads Authority Act by new minister
By DL News
Published
2 min read
Addressing Parliament on Tuesday, February 11, Kennedy Osei Nyarko, the former chairman of the Roads and Transport Committee and MP for Akim Swedru, argued that the Act had been duly passed by Parliament.
The Minority in Parliament has strongly opposed the decision of the Roads and Highways Ministry to halt the implementation of the National Roads Authority Act, calling it unlawful.
The Act, which was designed to consolidate the Ghana Highway Authority, the Department of Urban Roads, and the Department of Feeder Roads, only recently came into effect before being put on hold by the new Roads and Highways Minister, Kwame Governs Agbodza.
Addressing Parliament on Tuesday, February 11, Kennedy Osei Nyarko, the former chairman of the Roads and Transport Committee and MP for Akim Swedru, argued that the Act had been duly passed by Parliament.
He referenced Article 93(2) of the Constitution, emphasizing that legislative authority rests solely with the House, making any suspension by the Ministry improper.
He urged Parliament to intervene immediately, stressing that any concerns with the Act should be addressed through the appropriate legislative process rather than an executive decision.
Nyarko warned that allowing the Ministry to act in this manner could set a dangerous precedent, undermining Parliament’s authority and legislative powers.
Minister Justifies Decision
Responding to these concerns, Roads and Highways Minister Kwame Governs Agbodza defended his decision, explaining that the Act's implementation had sparked significant unrest among the affected agencies under his Ministry.
According to him, after discussions with the agencies involved, it became evident that there was a lack of clarity regarding leadership within the newly formed National Roads Authority (NRA).
Currently, the Director of Urban Roads is serving as the Acting Chief Director while retaining his previous role, a situation that has raised concerns about leadership structure.
He expressed surprise at the reaction from the Akim Swedru MP, clarifying that while Parliament enacts laws, their execution falls under the responsibility of the institutions overseeing them.
The Minister further indicated that in the coming weeks, the Ministry would engage with Parliament’s Roads and Transport Committee to provide further updates and seek a way forward.
Speaker's Response
Parliament's Speaker, Alban Bagbin, acknowledged the concerns raised and instructed the Roads and Highways Minister to take the necessary steps to rectify the Ministry’s actions through the proper legal framework.
