Ghana will have the best roads in West Africa in two years- Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has expressed confidence that Ghana will have the best road network in West Africa within two years under the government’s Big Push infrastructure programme.
Speaking at a sod-cutting ceremony for the upgrading and rehabilitation of the 195-kilometre Wenchi–Bole–Sawla road on Wednesday, November 5, President Mahama lamented the poor condition of the route, which serves as a major transport corridor between the Middle Belt and Northern regions.
“Despite over 2,000 vehicles using this road daily, it has been left to deteriorate, extending travel time between Wenchi and Sawla to as long as eight hours. This is unacceptable in modern Ghana,” he said, adding that the route has also become a hotspot for armed robberies.
President Mahama acknowledged the inconvenience the project may cause, apologising to Ghanaians in advance.
“I wish to repeat my apology and regret to the people of Ghana that with the start of the Big Push, the whole of Ghana is going to be a construction site for the next two years. Wherever in this country you go, roads will be under construction.”
“Twenty-four months after the launch of the Big Push, you will have the best roads in West Africa,” he added.
The project is expected to cut travel time between Wenchi and Wa by over 50%, reduce vehicle operating costs by 40%, and lower road accidents by approximately 45%. President Mahama also directed contractors to prioritise local labour for the construction works.
“Under this phase of the Big Push, we will reconstruct the Fufulso–Sawla road, complete the Bole–Mandari–Chache connection to the Ivory Coast border, and integrate it into a continuous high-quality highway stretching from Techiman through Wenchi, Bamboi, Sawla, Wa, and Hamile,” he announced.
“As far as possible, engage local people to work in construction. If you need labour, take the local people. Don’t bring workers from elsewhere,” he instructed.
The initiative forms part of the government’s broader effort to modernise Ghana’s road network and boost connectivity, commerce, and safety across the country.
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