Alhassan Sayibu Suhuyini, the Deputy Minister-designate for Roads and Highways, has raised concerns over Ghana's heavy reliance on imported bitumen despite the country's growing road infrastructure needs.
During his vetting, Suhuyini revealed his surprise at discovering that Ghana has only one bitumen plant, which is even owned by an Ivorian company, with Ghana Oil Company Limited (GOIL) holding some shares. "During my reading while preparing for this vetting, I was surprised to learn that we have only one bitumen plant in this country, and it is even owned by an Ivorian company, I'm told, with GOIL having some shares," he stated. "And I thought that it was quite unfortunate in my view, considering the need we have for bitumen." Bitumen, a key material in road construction, is in high demand as Ghana continues its push to expand and improve its road network.
Suhuyini noted that aside from the existing plant, companies like Sky Construction are among the leading importers of bitumen, but the sector remains largely untapped by local investors. "I think this is an opportunity many businesses can consider.
Since we have a greater need for roads, it is a ready market," he emphasized, urging private sector players to explore investments in bitumen production.
