[Accra, August 25, 2010] The Ghana Development Centre (GhDC) has in a statement urged government and the Ministry of Roads & Highways to consider channeling the energies of the youth and other unemployed towards the constant maintenance of the country’s roads.

The Communications Director of GhDC, Mr. Samuel George, explained that this can be done by recruiting willing people as part of a Roads Maintenance Taskforce (RMT) under the supervision of the various District Road Engineers “regularly fill potholes, replace damaged road signs and more importantly alert the Engineer on the state of roads in the jurisdiction.”

The statement noted that the use of available labour will not only be cheaper than waiting to award contracts to companies but will create jobs to absorb the unemployed youth, improve our road network, reduce accidents and ensure general safety on the roads.

The GhDC, a pro-democracy and economic think tank says the effects of poor roads, especially gaping potholes include accidents and high cost of vehicle maintenance, which will be eliminated by the RMT.

The statement urged the government to conduct a Cost Benefit Analysis, especially in relation to keeping a number of young people on allowance as against doling huge sums to a contractor long after potholes have developed or roads signs have been removed.

Mr. Samuel George Communications Director gdc.ghana@gmail.com 024 9241 251