Key Takeaways
- Minister for Roads and Highways announced a potential EOCO investigation into two quantity surveyors accused of inflating compensation for landowners affected by road projects.
- The alleged scheme persuades owners to reject official valuations and demand multiples of the assessed amount, creating fiscal losses and delaying construction.
- Incidents were raised during an inspection of a two‑kilometre access road to Sewua Regional Hospital in the Ashanti Region, with similar reports from Accra and other areas.
- Authorities reaffirm that compensation will be paid according to legal valuations and urge owners to rely on accredited government agencies.
The Ministry of Roads and Highways disclosed that two independent quantity surveyors may face investigation by the Economic and Organized Crime Office for allegedly manipulating compensation claims tied to road‑building projects. The warning was issued on the sidelines of an on‑site assessment of an access road connecting Feyiase to the Sewua Regional Hospital.
According to the minister, the practice has drained public resources and introduced unnecessary setbacks to critical infrastructure works, prompting a decisive response from the government.
Background & Context
Ghana’s expanding road network relies on a statutory compensation framework that assigns monetary value to properties displaced by construction. Valuations are performed by surveyors attached to the Ghana Highway Authority, Urban Roads, and related agencies, ensuring consistency with national guidelines.
The framework aims to balance rapid project delivery with fair restitution for affected owners. Historically, the process has encountered friction when landowners perceive official assessments as inadequate, leading to disputes that can stall projects.
Alleged Surveyor Practices
Investigations suggest that a subset of private quantity surveyors approaches property owners after government valuations are issued, urging them to reject the official figures. These practitioners reportedly promise compensation several times higher than the state‑determined amounts.
Owners who follow such advice may seek judicial injunctions to halt construction, thereby extending timelines and inflating project costs. The disparity between independent and official valuations raises questions about the expertise and motives of the external surveyors.
Government Response and Legal Implications
Minister Kwame Agbodza emphasized that the Ministry will not tolerate manipulation of the compensation system. He indicated that the two identified surveyors could be reported to EOCO, an agency tasked with probing economic crimes.
The potential EOCO involvement underscores the seriousness with which the government views the alleged misconduct. Legal provisions empower the state to pursue criminal charges for fraud and corruption, which could serve as a deterrent against future abuses.
Looking Ahead
Enhanced oversight of compensation assessments is likely to become a priority, with possible reforms to tighten verification of external surveyors’ credentials. Strengthening the transparency of valuation processes may reduce reliance on unofficial intermediaries.
Continued adherence to lawful compensation mechanisms is essential for maintaining project momentum on key corridors such as the Accra‑Kumasi Expressway and the newly inspected access road, ensuring that infrastructure development proceeds without undue financial or procedural hindrances.
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