Ghana Government Unveils GH₵12 Billion Infrastructure Plan to Boost Roads and Bridges Nationwide

Ghana's government has unveiled an ambitious GH₵12 billion infrastructure package that promises to transform the country's road network and bridge connectivity across all 16 regions. The announcement was made by the Minister for Roads and Highways at a press conference in Accra on Tuesday. The multi-year plan is targeted at addressing the long-standing challenges of poor road conditions that have hampered economic activity, increased transportation costs, and claimed lives through avoidable accidents. Key Components of the Plan The infrastructure package includes the construction of new roads in underserved communities, rehabilitation of existing trunk roads, and the building and repair of at least 200 bridges across the country. Special attention has been given to rural communities in the Northern, Upper East, and Upper West regions, which have historically lacked adequate road infrastructure. The Minister stated that the government is committed to completing the most critical segments within 18 months, with the remainder of the work to be spread over a three-year period. A significant portion of the funding is expected to come from domestic revenue, with the remainder sourced from development partners and international financial institutions. Economic Impact Economists have welcomed the announcement, noting that improved road infrastructure could shave billions off the cost of doing business in Ghana by reducing vehicle operating costs and transit times for goods. The agricultural sector is expected to be a major beneficiary, as poor roads have long been blamed for post-harvest losses and high food prices. The Ghana Chamber of Commerce described the plan as a bold and necessary step, but called on the government to ensure transparency and accountability in the award of contracts, noting that past infrastructure projects have suffered from delays and cost overruns. Job Creation The Roads Minister also highlighted that the initiative is expected to create over 50,000 direct and indirect jobs for Ghanaians across the construction value chain, providing a further boost to the economy. Opposition Reaction The opposition has welcomed the announcement in principle but has called for a detailed breakdown of funding sources and timelines, warning that without proper oversight, the ambitious plan risks becoming another unfulfilled promise. The government says full project details and a regional breakdown of road projects will be published within the next two weeks.