Mahama Launches Dualization of Cape Coast–Takoradi Road to Boost Trade and Safety
President John Dramani Mahama has officially cut the sod for the dualization of the 73.6-kilometre Cape Coast–Takoradi road, one of Ghana’s busiest transport corridors linking the Central and Western regions. The project, which forms part of the National Route 1 and the Trans–West African Highway, is expected to be completed within two years.
The initiative is part of the government’s “Big Push” infrastructure programme, designed to modernize major national roads and support economic expansion. The new dual carriageway is expected to enhance road safety, reduce travel time, and facilitate trade across Ghana’s coastal corridor.
According to the Ministry of Roads and Highways, the 73.6km dual carriageway will include nine interchanges, 10 bridges, 15 pedestrian footbridges, and 20km of service roads. Additional infrastructure such as rest stops, axle load stations, and safety features will also be constructed to meet international highway standards.
The project has been divided into three sections:
- Cape Coast to Kissi (25km)
- Kissi to Daboase (25km)
- Daboase to Takoradi (23km)
Three separate contractors have been assigned to execute these lots simultaneously to ensure timely completion.
Speaking at the ceremony held at Assorko Essaman in the Shama District as part of his one-day working visit to the Western Region, President Mahama emphasized that the Cape Coast–Takoradi road is one of Ghana’s most important economic routes, connecting the country’s major port city to vital mining, oil, agricultural, and tourism sectors.
He described the dualization as a necessary step to restore the road’s value and reduce the high incidence of road traffic accidents.
“This road has outlived its designed lifespan. It has become congested, accident-prone, and inefficient, leading to the loss of lives and productivity. Today’s sod-cutting marks our commitment to changing that reality,” the President said.
Mahama added that the project aligns with the Big Push infrastructure agenda and his administration’s broader economic plan to create jobs and strengthen national connectivity.
“This dualization is not just a road project, it is part of our strategy to build a modern and inclusive Ghana where infrastructure becomes the backbone of growth, industry, and national unity,” he noted.
73km Cape Coast–Takoradi Road Project
President Mahama revealed that all three contractors working on the project have given assurances that the construction could be completed ahead of the 24-month schedule if conditions remain favorable.
The new carriageway is designed to have a lifespan of at least 20 years, with durable surfacing and improved drainage systems to prevent the premature deterioration that has affected many roads across the country.
The President reaffirmed his government’s commitment to maintaining high construction standards, citing lessons learned from earlier projects under the Eastern Corridor and Accra–Tema Motorway rehabilitation initiatives.
The Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, praised the President’s focus on infrastructure as a pillar of national growth. He urged the contractors to employ local artisans, engineers, and suppliers to boost employment and transfer skills to residents along the project corridor.
He also cautioned against unauthorized structures encroaching on the road reservation, directing contractors to work with local authorities to remove any obstructions that might delay the project.
“This project must be delivered on time and to the highest standard. It will improve safety, boost regional trade, and bring lasting benefits to the people of the Central and Western regions,” Agbodza said.
The Paramount Chief of Essikado Traditional Area, Nana Kobina Nketsia V, speaking on behalf of traditional leaders, commended the government for including the Western Region among the major beneficiaries of the Big Push agenda.
He expressed optimism that the project would ease transportation challenges, especially for traders and workers commuting between Takoradi, Cape Coast, and nearby industrial zones. The chief, however, appealed for strict monitoring to ensure that the project is completed on schedule and without cost overruns.
The Cape Coast–Takoradi stretch serves as a strategic transport corridor for Ghana and the West African subregion. It connects to the Trans–West African Highway, which links Ghana to Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, and Nigeria, facilitating the movement of goods and passengers across borders.
Over the years, poor road conditions and frequent accidents along the route have drawn public concern. The dualization is expected to reduce travel times by nearly half and cut down accident rates, which the National Road Safety Authority has previously identified as high on single-lane highways in the area.
The project also complements other ongoing infrastructure works such as the Takoradi Port expansion, the Western Rail Line rehabilitation, and the Ankobra Bridge reconstruction, forming part of a broader effort to strengthen Ghana’s western transport corridor.
With work now underway, expectations remain high among residents, traders, and commuters who rely heavily on the road for economic activities. Once completed, the dual carriageway is projected to significantly improve logistics for the oil and gas sector, boost tourism traffic to Cape Coast and Elmina, and enhance regional integration within the ECOWAS subregion.
The successful completion of the Cape Coast–Takoradi dualization will mark a key milestone in Ghana’s infrastructure modernization drive—an effort that continues to be central to the country’s pursuit of economic growth and national development.
