Posted by Akosua Asare-Ankomah 105 0 comments

The Ghana Highway Authority (GHA) held its first general staff durbar of 2025 on June 9th. This durbar was part of a series of meetings initiated by the newly appointed Acting Chief Executive, Mallam Issah Ishak. These meetings, which included sessions with all Divisional Heads and Regional Directors, Union Executives, and the broader staff body, provided a platform for Mallam Issah Ishak to share his vision and address staff concerns.

The Deputy Chief Executive (Maintenance), Ing. Lawrence Lamptey in his welcome address, congratulated the Ag. Chief Executive on his appointment and encouraged all staff to give him maximum support. He also thanked the Union executives for their advocacy which has led to the appointment of a new leadership and solicited for their continuous support.   

Dy. Chief Executive, (Mtce) Ing. Lawrence L. L. Lamptey giving the welcome address  

On his part, the Acting Chief Executive Surv. Mallam Issah Ishak expressed gratitude to the appointing Authority for the trust reposed in him to lead the Authority. He also thanked the Union for the role they played in his appointment and the entire staff body for their tireless dedication, hard work, and unwavering support.

Ag. Chief Exec, Mallam Ishak, addressing members of staff

In outlining his vision, Mallam Ishak highlighted key areas his administration will focus on. Key among them are strengthening of human capital, enhancement of staff welfare, and enhancement of Internally Generated Funds (IGF). He emphasized the importance of self-development and encouraged all staff to actively pursue career. advancement and attain professional status. On the part of management, he assured staff that efforts would be made to provide access to modern tools and technology, as well as organize training programmes aimed at equipping staff with the necessary knowledge and skills.

Ag. Chief Exec, Surv. Mallam Issah Ishak

Regarding staff welfare, he addressed the issue of accommodation, specifically the refurbishment of existing facilities and the proposed provision of new staff housing at Katamanso, which is currently under consideration. The Acting Chief Executive also assured staff of the provision of a site visit bus and additional staff buses to ease transportation challenges. Furthermore, Surv. Ishak expressed his administration’s commitment to ensuring the prompt payment of medical refunds and allowances from the Authority’s IGF. To this end, he urged all staff to work towards enhancing the sources of IGF. Key focus areas for improvement include enforcement of entry and exit fees, rental of ROW, lease of Central and Regional Mechanical workshops, construction of new Central Materials lab, and the establishment and retooling of Regional Materials Labs. Other critical issues highlighted include:

• Administrative Reforms

• Enhancing Road Safety (key feature in GHA’s mission statement)

• Sustainable Funding associated with Road Maintenance

• Embracing Digital Transformation – Going paperless with smart workplace

During the open forum session, members of staff took turns to congratulate the new leadership and raised various concerns and suggestions. These included the need for standardization, refurbishment of the central stores, redesignation, review of staff salaries, and improvement of end-of-year benefits.

Ing. Paul Duah, the Ag. Deputy Chief Executive Admin, Highways giving the closing remarks

Summing up the meeting, Ing. Paul Duah, the Ag. Deputy Chief Executive in charge of Administration reaffirmed the new leadership’s commitment to resolving the issues raised and enhancing the progress of the Authority. He also encouraged staff to put in their best effort, “At this point, what is left is for all of us to put our words into action. The directorate congratulates you, but let us remember that there is still much ahead of us to accomplish. Come together in unity, with one voice we can achieve great things. There is no mountain we cannot surmount if we stand together, thank you”, he concluded.