President John Mahama has officially launched the Roads for All programme — a GH₵4.8 billion initiative targeting the construction and rehabilitation of 5,000 kilometres of roads across Ghana over the next three years.
Speaking at a ceremony in Accra on Friday, Mahama described the programme as the most ambitious road infrastructure investment in Ghana’s history, adding that poor roads remain one of the biggest constraints on agricultural productivity, business competitiveness, and regional integration.
Scope and Priorities
The programme will prioritise:
- Farming and market access corridors in cocoa, rice, and cassava belts
- Roads connecting district capitals in the three northern regions
- Urban expansion roads in Greater Accra, Kumasi, and Tamale
- Rehabilitation of existing roads that have deteriorated beyond safe use
Roads Minister Ato Baah said 200 construction contracts are being prepared for immediate deployment, with the goal of cutting average travel times between regional capitals by 40 percent by 2028.
Financing
The programme is co-financed by the African Development Bank ($150m), the World Bank ($200m), the Export-Import Bank of China ($120m), and domestic infrastructure bonds (GH₵2.2bn equivalent). A dedicated escrow account has been established to ensure continuous contractor payments — a direct response to the contractor arrears problem that stalled road projects under previous administrations.
Political Context
Road infrastructure was a central campaign promise of Mahama’s 2024 election campaign. His administration has faced criticism that spending on roads has been slow to materialise in its first months. The Roads for All launch is the most concrete step yet toward delivering on that commitment.
Source: Office of the President / Ministry of Roads and Highways
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