President John Dramani Mahama, in his latest State of the Nation Address, painted a grim picture of Ghana’s road and transport sector, describing it as being in a state of crisis due to years of mismanagement and neglect.
Addressing Parliament, he challenged the previous government’s claim of constructing over 13,000 kilometres of new roads, arguing that the evidence did not support such an assertion.
He accused the former administration of misleading the public by presenting routine road maintenance and rehabilitation efforts as new construction projects, thereby exaggerating its accomplishments.
“The proportion of poor roads has increased, especially in urban areas, where the number of roads in disrepair surged from 46% in 2015 to 57% by 2021. Therefore, the road sector is in crisis, mainly due to years of mismanagement.
“As many as 85% of awarded contracts have been stalled, and contractors have stopped work due to non-payment. As of December 2024, unpaid bills owed to contractors exceeded GHS 20 billion for work carried out between 2018 and 2024”.
HE President John Dramani Mahama
Despite securing GHS 1.8 billion in loans between 2018 and 2019 through the Ghana Road Fund, the previous administration still failed to clear outstanding payments.
Furthermore, President Mahama disclosed that current commitments for road projects have ballooned to GHS 105 billion, making it imperative to overhaul the sector’s financial management to prevent further deterioration.
In response to these challenges, President Mahama outlined a bold infrastructure agenda under what he termed the “Big Push” Programme. This initiative aims to undertake major rehabilitation of feeder roads, urban roads, and highways across the country.
To ensure sustainable financing and accountability, his administration plans to reintroduce road tolls with modern electronic collection systems, preventing revenue leakages.
Additionally, President Mahama promised to rationalise road investments, focusing on high-impact projects rather than politically motivated constructions.
His government would also de-cap the Road Fund, ensuring funds are exclusively dedicated to road maintenance and development rather than being diverted for other purposes.
Another key reform would be reducing sole-source procurement, which, according to him, has been a major source of corruption and inefficiency in road contract awards.
He assured that his government would prioritise competitive bidding processes to enhance transparency and ensure value for money.
The Big Push Programme also seeks to address the issue of stalled projects. President Mahama criticised the previous government’s last-minute acquisition of DRIP equipment, describing it as an election gimmick rather than a well-thought-out policy.
He announced plans to reorganise these machines into regional mobile maintenance units, ensuring that emergency road repairs can be carried out swiftly and efficiently.
Revamping Ghana’s Transport Sector
Beyond roads, President Mahama expressed his commitment to revamping Ghana’s transport sector, announcing a realignment of the Ministry of Transport to oversee four distinct areas: Aviation, Maritime and Inland Water Transport, Road Transport, and Railways.
This restructuring, he explained, would ensure better coordination and efficiency across the sector. One of the major reforms in this space is the development of a coastal water transport system.
President Mahama revealed plans to commission a feasibility study into this initiative, arguing that a functional water transport system along Ghana’s coast could significantly ease traffic congestion, reduce transportation costs, and boost tourism.
One of the most controversial proposals in Mahama’s address was his government’s intention to legalise the use of motorcycles and tricycles, popularly known as “Okada,” for commercial transport.
“Motorcycles and tricycles, commonly known as ‘Okada,” hold significant potential as a more convenient, timely, safe, and cost-effective mode of transportation. Currently, the Road Traffic Regulations of 2012 (L.I. 2180) prohibit licensing motorcycles and tricycles for fare-paying passengers.
“As part of our Government Policy, the Ministry will amend the regulatory framework to regularise their use for commercial passenger transport”.
HE President John Dramani Mahama
President Mahama argued that Okada has proven to be a convenient, affordable, and efficient means of transport, particularly in areas with poor road networks.
He assured that a new regulatory framework would be introduced to ensure safety standards while creating a formalised and well-structured industry that generates employment opportunities for thousands of young people.
Another major transport project he highlighted was the revitalisation of the Ho Airport, which has remained largely underutilised.
President Mahama unveiled an ambitious plan to transform the Volta Region into an aviation hub by establishing a world-class pilot training academy and a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility at the airport.
This initiative, he explained, would create jobs, attract investment, and stimulate economic growth in the region.
Moreover, the presence of an MRO facility would enable Ghana to service and maintain aircraft locally, reducing dependence on foreign facilities and cutting operational costs for local airlines.
On rail transport, President Mahama reiterated his administration’s commitment to fully operationalising the Tema-Mpakadan railway line, which has been plagued by delays.
He announced plans to launch passenger services between Tema and Adome, as well as develop infrastructure on Volta Lake to facilitate the movement of goods from Tema Port to Buipe as part of the Eastern Corridor multimodal transport system.
He also highlighted the importance of modernising the Western Railway Line, particularly for transporting bulk minerals from Nsuta, Awaso, and Nyinahin to Takoradi Port.
This, he explained, would not only enhance Ghana’s export potential but also reduce the strain on road infrastructure, which has been heavily impacted by heavy-duty trucks transporting mining materials.
Aviation was another critical area of focus. Mahama took a swipe at the previous administration’s failed attempt to revive Ghana’s national airline, describing it as poorly executed and non-transparent.
He pledged to reopen a transparent expression of interest, allowing established and competent aviation partners to collaborate with the government in launching a fully functional and sustainable national airline.
According to him, having a national carrier would help lower airfares on monopolised routes, benefiting Ghanaians who often face high ticket prices due to limited competition.
Mahama’s State of the Nation Address ultimately underscored the urgent need for reforms in Ghana’s road and transport sector.
While he acknowledged the financial constraints facing the country, he expressed confidence in his administration’s ability to prioritise, restructure, and execute key infrastructure projects that would drive economic growth and improve livelihoods.
His vision, encapsulated in the Big Push Programme, presents a strategic shift from short-term political interventions to long-term infrastructural planning, ensuring that Ghana’s transport systems are efficient, transparent, and sustainable.
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