Ghana has spent about ¢12 billion clearing arrears linked to inherited road projects as part of efforts to stabilise ongoing infrastructure works and push forward key national road developments, including the long awaited Accra–Kumasi dual carriageway project expected to be completed by 2027.
The disclosure was made by the Ministry of Roads and Highways, which explained that the payments form part of a broader strategy to settle outstanding obligations accumulated from previous administrations. According to officials, the arrears had slowed down contractor work across multiple road sites, making it necessary for government to intervene financially to keep projects on track.
The Accra–Kumasi corridor remains one of the most critical transport routes in Ghana, linking the national capital to the country’s second largest city and serving as a major artery for passenger movement, trade logistics, and agricultural distribution. The route has long suffered from congestion, road safety concerns, and delays due to its single carriageway structure and increasing traffic volume.
Government officials say the dualisation project is expected to significantly reduce travel time, improve road safety, and boost economic activity along the corridor. The target completion date has been set for 2027, although progress will depend on consistent funding, contractor performance, and resolution of engineering challenges along the route.
Reports indicate that the road project forms part of a wider national infrastructure agenda aimed at improving connectivity across the country. The Ministry has been prioritising what it describes as “inherited projects”, meaning contracts signed in previous years that remained incomplete or unpaid, creating a backlog of financial obligations that needed urgent attention.
According to official statements, the ¢12 billion payment is part of a larger outstanding debt profile for road projects, which has been a recurring issue in Ghana’s infrastructure financing. Contractors often face delays in payment, which in turn affects construction timelines and project delivery efficiency.
In recent years, Ghana’s road sector has been heavily reliant on government budget allocations, development partner funding, and credit arrangements. However, rising construction costs, currency pressures, and fiscal constraints have made it difficult to fully meet obligations on time, contributing to accumulation of arrears.
The Ministry has indicated that clearing these debts is essential not only for completing existing projects but also for restoring contractor confidence and ensuring future projects can attract reliable participation from both local and international firms.
The Accra–Kumasi dualisation is part of a broader vision to modernise Ghana’s highway infrastructure. The route is expected to support increased commercial transport activity between southern and central Ghana, reducing bottlenecks that currently slow down movement of goods such as cocoa, timber, and manufactured products.
Ghana’s road network plays a central role in economic development, with over 90 percent of passenger and freight transport relying on roads. As a result, improvements in major highways have a direct impact on productivity, logistics costs, and regional trade integration.
Officials have also pointed to ongoing reforms in project management and procurement processes within the sector. These reforms are aimed at improving transparency, reducing cost overruns, and ensuring that contractors deliver within agreed timelines and budgets.
While progress is being made, infrastructure analysts note that sustaining funding for large scale road projects remains a major challenge. Long term completion of projects like the Accra–Kumasi dual carriageway will depend on stable financing mechanisms, efficient contract management, and continued political commitment.
The government has maintained that completing inherited projects is a priority, arguing that unfinished roads represent both financial waste and missed economic opportunities. By clearing arrears and pushing forward with construction, authorities hope to restore momentum in the sector.
The Accra–Kumasi dualisation remains one of the most closely watched infrastructure projects in the country, given its national significance. Once completed, it is expected to reshape transport dynamics, reduce accident rates, and strengthen economic linkages between regions.
For now, the payment of ¢12 billion in inherited obligations signals an attempt to reset the financial foundation of Ghana’s road sector while accelerating delivery of long delayed infrastructure projects across the country.
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