'Dualising Accra-Cape Coast-Road will boost tourism, reduce accidents – President Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans to dualise the Accra–Cape Coast–Takoradi highway as part of efforts to promote tourism in the Central Region and curb the rising spate of road crashes in the country.

President Mahama made the announcement during his first presidential media engagement, where he addressed questions from journalists on his development agenda and pressing national issues.

Addressing concerns about how government intends to enhance the Central Region’s tourism potential, Mahama said road infrastructure is critical to improving both accessibility and safety.

Mahama noted that single-lane highways, which dominate Ghana’s road network, are prone to frequent head-on collisions.

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“In Ghana, we’ve maintained single-lane highways for a very long time, and they are prone to accidents. Every day, you hear of crashes on the Kumasi Road or the Cape Coast Road because when two vehicles are moving in opposite directions on a single lane, the risk of head-on collisions is very high due to wrongful overtaking,” he explained.

He said dualising the Accra–Cape Coast–Takoradi stretch would not only reduce travel time but also make Cape Coast more attractive to both local and international tourists.

“Reducing travel time will help enhance tourism. Someone could wake up in Accra, drive to Cape Coast, enjoy the tourist experience, and return the same day. That is what this road project will make possible,” he noted.

His remarks come amid a surge in fatalities linked to road crashes.

Data from the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) show that between January and June 2025 alone, 7,289 crashes were reported nationwide, involving 12,354 vehicles.

More than 8,300 people sustained injuries, while 1,504 lost their lives; more deaths in six months than Ghana recorded throughout the entire COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the statistics, on the average, eight Ghanaians die in road crashes every day.

Mahama stressed that addressing the crisis required both improved infrastructure and better service delivery, insisting that both were vital if Ghana was to unlock the full potential of its tourism sector.

FULL TEXT: President Mahama's speech at his maiden media encounter

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