President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo said his government has constructed more roads than the combined efforts of the Mills Mahama administration.
President Akufo-Addo made this statement at the groundbreaking ceremony for the dual-laning of the Anwiankwanta-Ahenema-Kokobeng Road on July 15, 2024.
President Akufo-Addo, speaking at a gathering of local officials, residents and stakeholders, detailed the massive improvements made to the country’s road network since 2017, saying the total length of roads completed under his leadership stands at a staggering 12,830 kilometres. This figure stands in stark contrast to the 4,636 kilometres of roads completed during the Mills/Mahama administration from 2009 to 2016.
The President enumerated various types of road works that his administration will undertake, including asphalt paving, new construction, graveling/re-gravelling, reconstruction, partial reconstruction, rehabilitation, resurfacing, road surfacing, and construction of 35 critical bridges. In addition, six interchanges have been added, with another 10 currently underway.
“This development is unprecedented in the history of Ghana and reflects a previously unseen level of commitment and efficiency in addressing our infrastructure needs,” President Akufo-Addo said.
He highlighted the positive impact these developments will have on connectivity, economic activity and the overall quality of life of Ghanaians.
Despite these significant achievements, President Akufo-Addo acknowledged that there remains a need for more roads, which he attributed to the massive road deficit his administration inherited. He called on future governments to continue the momentum and build on the foundations laid by his administration.
“This progress sets a high standard and serves as a blueprint for what can be achieved with commitment and strategic planning. Successive governments must ensure continued investment in infrastructure to address the road shortage and meet the changing needs of a rapidly growing population,” the President said.
In the Ashanti Region alone, 2,079 kilometres of roads have been completed, including major rehabilitation and upgrades. President Akufo-Addo highlighted specific projects that have significantly improved connectivity and transport in the region, such as the construction of Suame Interchange and the upgrade of Kumasi local roads.
The President gave a detailed account of the various types of road works being carried out in the Ashanti Region, including asphalting, new construction, graveling/re-gravelling, reconstruction, rehabilitation and the construction of two bridges, Susanso-Anloga and Kokoso-Bohien. A third bridge over Nwabi River at Atafoa is nearing completion, further enhancing connectivity in the region.
Specific road projects completed in the Ashanti Region include the upgrading of 100 kilometres of local roads in Kumasi, the two-laning of Lake Road 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 transport and connectivity for both residents and businesses.
President Akufo-Addo also highlighted ongoing projects such as the construction of the Suama Interchange, the first four-level interchange in the Ashanti Region. The project is progressing steadily, with three flyovers at Anomagye, Magazine Road and Abusuakruwa on Offinso Road already 40 percent complete. Work has also commenced on the main interchange, as well as relocation of utilities in the surrounding areas, with the project scheduled for completion in 2025.
In his concluding address, President Akufo-Addo stressed the importance of continued investment in road infrastructure to address the country’s road deficit and meet the changing needs of the people. He called on future governments to maintain the momentum and build on the foundations laid by his administration.
“This progress sets a high standard and serves as a blueprint for what can be achieved with commitment and strategic planning. Successive governments must ensure continued investment in infrastructure to address the road shortage and meet the changing needs of a rapidly growing population,” the President said.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, President Akufo-Addo thanked the people of Ashanti Region for their support and patience. He assured them of his government’s unwavering commitment to deliver on its promises and improve the region’s infrastructure. The dualisation of the Anwiankwanta-Ahenema Kokobeng Road is a testament to this commitment and heralds a new era of development and prosperity for Ashanti Region and surrounding areas.