Suspension of Protest Over Deteriorating Road Conditions in Ghana
The Ghana Road Transport Union (GRTU) and the Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana have decided to suspend their planned protest regarding the poor condition of the Ofankor-Pokuase-Nsawam road. This decision comes after a government commitment to release GHS4 billion by the end of July 2025 to address part of the GHS13 billion debt in the road sector. Additionally, there are assurances that a three-kilometre stretch of the road will be asphalted within six weeks.
Mr. William Osei, Chairman of the Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana, expressed his approval of the government’s announcement. He emphasized the importance of sustained efforts to improve the country’s deteriorating roads. According to him, such investments are essential for national infrastructure, as they enhance safety, accessibility, and economic productivity while reducing accidents and vehicle maintenance costs.
Osei made these remarks following an engagement with the Minister for Roads and Highways, Mr. Kwame Governs Agbodza, and Maripoma Enterprise Limited, the contractor responsible for the 33.4km Ofankor-Nsawam road project. The meeting took place in Accra on Tuesday, July 8.
He highlighted the ongoing challenges posed by the deteriorating condition of the Ofankor-Pokuase-Nsawam stretch. The poor road conditions have led to increased costs for drivers, longer travel times, discomfort for passengers, and a higher risk of road accidents. Osei stressed the growing frustration among daily commuters who use this route, urging the government not to wait for demonstrations before taking action on road improvements.
Mr. Abdulai Mahama, Project Manager at Maripoma Enterprise Limited, explained that the six-week asphalting works will focus on the most damaged areas, including Pobiman, Kuntunse, Sansam, and Atala. He mentioned that maintenance works had already begun last week and were nearly complete in that section. The company plans to improve various layers of the road and finish the black top if there is no rain, which could disrupt the work.
Mahama called on the government to address bottlenecks such as compensation payments and right-of-way issues. He also advised drivers to adhere to speed limits. He warned that doubts about payment to contractors for affected persons could create problems and emphasized the need to trust the institutions responsible for property valuation in Ghana.
In addition, Mahama cautioned motorists to follow speed limits in construction zones along the road corridor. He pointed out that some drivers exceed the 30 km/h limit, often reaching over 80 km/h. This behavior increases dust levels in areas where gravel materials are present, posing additional challenges for both workers and road users.
The suspension of the protest marks a significant step forward in addressing the concerns of drivers and improving the quality of Ghana’s road infrastructure. It highlights the importance of collaboration between government agencies, contractors, and road users in ensuring safe and efficient transportation networks across the country.
