Does the discordance in the Ofankor-Nsawam Road Road Construction signify a failure in Project Management and Engineering, or is there a plausible technical interpretation for this chaos?

The ongoing road construction project from John Teye to Nsawam in Ghana has become a nightmare for commuters and businesses alike. The about 18.5 km road which should take you an average of about 20 minutes to cross, would now take you about 2 hours. On Saturday the 18^th of July 2023, it took commuters about 8 hours to cross the stretch. I travelled that stretch to and Ofuase for the Coding Caravan only yesterday the 26th of July 2023. It was a nightmare especially when we were returning in the evening. This road would cause a pregnant woman to miscarry. How many women might have lost their babies trekking this road that is now riddled with gaping holes because of the road constructions? Is it the lack of proper project management that is causing the very slow pace of work, very poor condition of the road surface, inconveniences to road users, and a significant decline in productivity? It is high time we as professionals question ourselves,  the contractors, consultants, project managers, and Road Agency staff responsible for this seemingly poorly planned road project.

Unanswered Questions

One cannot help but wonder why the Ghana Highway Authority allowed such a long stretch of road to be started simultaneously, leading to massive inconveniences for road users. Why did they not opt for a phased approach to minimize disruptions? The costs to businesses along the road are staggering, as they struggle to cope with poor road surfaces filled with muddy water, obstacles that would deter even the most loyal customer to vamoose, with long delays and decreased productivity. Who is looking out for the interests of commuters and local businesses?

Contractors and Consultants

It is crucial to question my fellow professionals on the project. The contractors and consultants involved in this project. Are there any members of the Project Management Institute, Ghana Institution of Engineering, Ghana Institute of Planners, Ghana Institute of Surveyors etc. working on this project?  Why did they not foresee the long delays and take appropriate measures to mitigate them? Did they conduct thorough assessments of the potential impact on commuters and businesses before initiating the construction? Did they consider all the project risks and mapped out the right strategies to manage these risks? What are the constraints and what is causing this? Was the engineering correct, was the planning thorough? Are they adequately equipped to handle a project of this magnitude?

Project Management and Engineering

The project managers and engineering team are responsible for overseeing the smooth execution of this road construction. Are they effectively coordinating with the other professionals to ensure the successful execution of the project within scope, schedule (Would the project be completed in 24 months as reported on April 2022), budget and to the right quality? Are they considering the over positive impact of the project from start to completion and throughout the life span of the project? What measures are they taking to address the gaping holes and poor road conditions that currently pose great risks to vehicle owners, potentially leading to increased vehicle maintenance costs and possible accidents?

Impact on Commuters and Businesses & Call for Action

We, as concerned citizens, need to rise up and demand answers. It is time to call upon the professional bodies, project managers, road engineers, quantity surveyors,   and ultimately the Ghana Highway Authority to take immediate action. The plight of commuters and businesses cannot be ignored any longer.

The recent incident on the 18th of July 2023, where commuters were stuck on the road for approximately 8 hours, was a clear indication of the severe consequences of road construction. The media reported this incident, highlighting the frustration and inconvenience faced by the public. This is just one example of the countless instances where individuals have lost precious time and productivity due to the ongoing delays. Yes, there are sacrifices that have to be made for every road project. But how much is adequate and would this be considered proper project leadership?  

For businesses located along this road, the impact is even more severe. Increased travel times, hindered logistics, and decreased footfall have resulted in significant financial losses. Additionally, vehicle owners are burdened with frequent visits to the mechanic, leading to additional expenses and inconvenience.

Conclusion

The John Teye to Nsawam Road project is a test case for proper project management and leadership. Are we as professionals living up to the tenants of our professions? What I have seen from my personal experience and the complaints of those who live on that corridor; extremely longer delays, rough travel, inconveniences for road users, and a decline in productivity. It is high time that we demand accountability from ourselves; the contractors, consultants, project managers, and state officials involved. By raising our concerns, especially as professionals who have been trained with the taxpayers’ monies and taking collective action, we can ensure that the interests of commuters and businesses are prioritized and that this project is managed and executed with utmost efficiency. Together, we can pave the way for better infrastructure development and a brighter future for Ghana.

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