Minister of Roads defends government's 12,830 kilometres of roads constructed under Akufo-Addo

The Minister of Roads and Highways, Francis Asenso-Boakye, has strongly defended the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia administration's performance in the road sector, describing their achievements as unparalleled.

His remarks came in response to former President John Dramani Mahama’s skepticism about the government’s claim of constructing 12,830 kilometres of roads.

Speaking during a media briefing at Tafo Station in Kumasi, in the Ashanti Region, Mr. Asenso-Boakye highlighted the significant progress made under the current government.

He emphasized, “From 2017 to the end of 2023, the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia administration has constructed an impressive 12,830 kilometres of roads, in contrast to the 4,636 kilometres achieved by the previous administration.”

The Minister also referenced data from the World Bank to highlight Ghana’s leading position in Africa’s road network. According to him, Ghana’s road density—calculated as kilometres of road per 100 square kilometres of land—far surpasses the African regional average.

“Ghana has 32.8 kilometres of road per 100 square kilometres, nearly double the regional average of 17 kilometres,” he noted.

Asenso-Boakye further underscored the government’s achievements in improving rural accessibility.

He pointed out that 63 percent of Ghana’s population now lives within two kilometres of all-weather roads, compared to 47 percent across the rest of Africa.

This, he argued, is a direct result of the administration’s substantial investment in road infrastructure, particularly in rural areas.

“A significant amount of investment has been made in both paved and unpaved road infrastructure to enhance the quality of roads across the country,” the minister stated.

He also highlighted key ongoing road projects nationwide, including the School Junction-Motorway Road, Ofankor-Nsawam Road, Tamale-Yendi-Tatale Road, Agonankwanta-Tarkwa Road, Kasoa-Winneba Road, and the Adenta-Dodowa Road.