At the 2024 Global Infrastructure Conference, Ghana’s Minister of Roads and Highways, Honourable Francis Asenso Boakye, delivered a keynote address, touting the transformative impact of strategic investments in road infrastructure under the New Patriotic Party administration led by President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.
Hon. Asenso Boakye, who is also the New Patriotic Party’s Member of Parliament for the Bantama Constituency, emphasised the critical role of road infrastructure in fostering national development, especially in rural communities.
He outlined how the government’s infrastructure initiatives have driven poverty reduction and improved the lives of many Ghanaians.
“In the past seven years, strategic investments in road infrastructure have transformed lives, particularly in rural communities. These investments have directly contributed to poverty reduction, as improved access to all-weather roads is connecting communities to essential services and economic opportunities.”
Hon. Francis Asenso Boakye, Ghana’s Minister of Roads and Highways and Member of Parliament for Bantama Constituency
Hon. Asenso Boakye backed his remarks with data, highlighting that Ghana’s road network now has 32.8 kilometres of roads per 100 kilometres, nearly double the African average.
He further noted that rural access to all-weather roads has risen to 63%, a substantial increase from the regional average of 47%.
“These improvements have resulted in a significant boost in critical areas. For example, there has been a 180% increase in trips to health facilities, household incomes have tripled in some areas, and travel times to essential health services have reduced by 60%. These statistics illustrate how infrastructure investments can drive national progress”
Hon. Francis Asenso Boakye, Ghana’s Minister of Roads and Highways and Member of Parliament for Bantama Constituency
Roads Infrastructure; Backbone of National Development
Moreover, Honourable Francis Asenso Boakye underscored the importance of road infrastructure as the backbone of national development, facilitating access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities.
His speech also touched on how these developments have enhanced the quality of life across Ghana, particularly in underserved areas.
The Minister of Roads and Highways reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that infrastructure development in Ghana remains sustainable and resilient.
He stressed the need for continued partnerships with international stakeholders to build a brighter future for all Ghanaians.
“As we look ahead, our focus remains on sustainability and resilience. We are committed to deepening partnerships with key development partners to ensure that our infrastructure serves both current and future generations”.
Hon. Francis Asenso Boakye, Ghana’s Minister of Roads and Highways and Member of Parliament for Bantama Constituency
The Roads and Highways Minister’s presentation also highlighted how the strategic approach of the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration has positioned Ghana as a leader in infrastructure development on the African continent.
His address emphasized the government’s holistic approach to national development, where roads serve as a critical foundation for the country’s broader economic aspirations.
In his closing remarks, Hon. Asenso Boakye pledged the government’s ongoing commitment to infrastructure investments that will spur Ghana’s economic transformation and serve as a legacy for future generations.
The 2024 Global Infrastructure Conference served as a platform for global stakeholders to discuss the future of infrastructure and share best practices.
The conference, organized by the International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC), brought together global leaders, policymakers, and engineering, construction, and infrastructure professionals.
Hon. Asenso Boakye’s address placed Ghana at the centre of the conversation on how road infrastructure can be a tool for inclusive development and poverty alleviation.
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