In a recent address to local officials, residents, and stakeholders, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of Ghana made a bold claim regarding his administration’s accomplishments in infrastructure development.
President Akufo-Addo asserted that his government has outpaced the combined efforts of the Mills/Mahama administration in terms of road construction, highlighting an impressive total of 12,830 kilometres of roads completed since 2017. This figure stands in stark contrast to the 4,636 kilometres achieved during the Mills/Mahama era from 2009 to 2016.
“This development is unparalleled in the history of Ghana, reflecting a level of commitment and efficiency in addressing our infrastructure needs that have not been seen before.”
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo
President Akufo-Addo detailed the extensive improvements made to Ghana’s road network under his leadership, emphasizing the variety of roadworks undertaken.
These include asphalt overlays, new constructions, graveling/re-graveling, reconstructions, partial reconstructions, rehabilitations, resealing, surfacing, and the construction of 35 crucial bridges. Additionally, six interchanges have been added, with ten more currently underway.
The President also highlighted the positive impact these developments have on connectivity, economic activities, and the overall quality of life for Ghanaians.
Despite these significant achievements, the President acknowledged the ongoing demand for more roads, attributing it to the substantial road deficit inherited by his administration.
““The progress made sets a high standard and serves as a blueprint for what can be achieved with dedication and strategic planning.
“Successive governments must ensure sustained investment in infrastructure to address the road deficit and meet the evolving needs of our rapidly growing population.”
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo
Focus on the Ashanti Region
In the Ashanti Region alone, 2,079 kilometres of roads have been completed, including major upgrades and enhancements. Specific projects highlighted by the President include the construction of the Suame Interchange and the upgrading of local roads in Kumasi, which have significantly improved connectivity and transportation in the region.
The types of roadworks undertaken in the Ashanti Region mirror those mentioned nationally, with asphalt overlays, new constructions, graveling/re-graveling, reconstructions, rehabilitations, and the construction of bridges at Susanso-Anloga and Kokoso-Bohyen. A third bridge on the Nwabi River at Atafoa is substantially completed, further enhancing connectivity.
Notable road projects in the Ashanti Region include the upgrading of 100 kilometres of local roads in Kumasi, the transformation of the Lake Road into a dual carriageway from the Coca-Cola Bottling Plant to Dompoase, and the upgrading of 56 kilometres of selected feeder roads in Nyinahin and surrounding areas. These projects have significantly improved transportation and connectivity for residents and businesses alike.
Ongoing Projects and Future Outlook
President Akufo-Addo also highlighted ongoing projects, such as the construction of the Suame Interchange, which is the first four-tier interchange in the Ashanti Region. The project is progressing steadily, with significant portions already forty percent complete. Works on the main interchange have also started, and the project is expected to be completed in 2025.
In his concluding remarks, President Akufo-Addo stressed the importance of continued investment in road infrastructure to address the country’s road deficit and meet the evolving needs of the population.
As the ceremony concluded, President Akufo-Addo expressed his gratitude to the people of the Ashanti Region for their support and patience. He assured them of the government’s unwavering commitment to delivering on its promises and improving the region’s infrastructure.
The dualization of the Anwiankwanta-Ahenema Kokoben Road stands as a testament to this commitment, heralding a new era of development and prosperity for the Ashanti Region and beyond.
This proclamation from President Akufo-Addo showcases a significant leap in Ghana’s infrastructure development, promising a brighter future for its citizens. The extensive roadworks not only improve connectivity but also boost economic activities, enhancing the overall quality of life across the nation.
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