CATEGORY: Infrastructure
A newly released Ghana Infrastructure Report Card 2026 has raised concerns about the state of the country’s roads, health and railway infrastructure after all three sectors received the lowest ratings in the nationwide assessment conducted by the Ghana Institution of Engineers (GhIE).
The report, launched in Accra, evaluated major infrastructure sectors including roads and bridges, railways, health facilities, aviation, education, telecommunications, electricity and water systems. The assessment was based on responses from approximately 900 participants and examined factors such as capacity, funding, maintenance, resilience, innovation and public safety.
According to the report, roads, health infrastructure and railway systems each scored 50 percent, equivalent to Grade E. The findings suggest that despite years of investment and development efforts, significant challenges remain in maintaining and expanding critical public infrastructure.
The Ghana Institution of Engineers attributed much of the poor performance to inadequate funding and weak maintenance practices. Experts argue that while infrastructure projects are often commissioned, insufficient attention is given to long-term maintenance, resulting in deterioration and reduced efficiency over time.
Road infrastructure remains particularly important because it serves as the primary means of transportation for people and goods across the country. Engineers have called for stronger implementation of public investment regulations, improved project planning and greater emphasis on road safety measures. The report also highlighted concerns about increasing road accidents and the need for better engineering standards in road construction projects.
The railway sector also received criticism for its limited development and operational challenges. Analysts believe an efficient railway network could significantly reduce transportation costs, ease pressure on road networks and improve regional trade. However, years of underinvestment have hindered the sector’s growth.
Health infrastructure was similarly identified as an area requiring urgent attention. While healthcare delivery has improved in some parts of the country, experts note that many facilities continue to face challenges relating to equipment, maintenance and capacity. Improved infrastructure is considered essential for delivering quality healthcare services to growing populations.
In contrast, aviation emerged as the highest-performing sector, earning a Grade C3 with a score of 71 percent. Engineers attributed the stronger performance to consistent investment and maintenance practices within the aviation industry.
The report concludes that government alone cannot meet Ghana’s infrastructure needs and calls for stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors. Stakeholders say sustained investment, transparency and proper maintenance will be crucial to improving the country’s infrastructure and supporting economic growth in the years ahead.
By: Oppong Richard