Minister for Roads, Francis Asenso-Boakye, has hit back at former President John Dramani Mahama for questioning the actual state of Ghana’s road network, describing the current administration as the champions of road infrastructure.
Speaking at the launch of a new road project in Kumasi recently, Asenso-Boakye stressed the government’s significant progress in expanding the national road network since President Nana Akufo-Addo and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia took office in 2017.
“We have constructed approximately 12,830 kilometers to our road network,” Asenso-Boakye stated.
He emphasized that this achievement stands in stark contrast to the 4,636 kilometres completed under Mahama’s administration.
The Minister disclosed that the total road network has expanded from 78,403 kilometres in December 2016 to 94,203 kilometres by June 2023, a 20% increase.
“A national road network inventory is currently underway, and preliminary projections suggest we could reach about 100,000 kilometres soon,” he added.
The Minister also shared key statistics demonstrating the improved condition of the road network.
“Currently, 44% of our roads are classified as good, compared to only 39% under the previous administration. We have also completed six interchanges and 35 bridges, with more than 10 interchanges and 50 bridges under construction,” he stated.
Asenso-Boakye attributed these accomplishments to substantial investments made by the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia administration, positioning Ghana’s road density at 32.8 kilometres per 100 square kilometres—nearly double the African average of 17 kilometres.
“Our rural accessibility has also improved significantly, with 63% of the rural population living within two kilometres of all-weather roads,” he stated.
Responding to Mahama’s inquiry about the visibility of these developments, Asenso-Boakye stressed that the current administration’s achievements have become a source of frustration for the opposition.
“The data is available, and the results speak for themselves,” he said.
Asenso-Boakye acknowledged the ongoing challenges in the road infrastructure despite the government’s track record, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to further enhancements.
“We recognize there is more work to be done, and we remain dedicated to meeting the dynamic needs of our people.”
“While these achievements reflect nearly three times the progress made by the previous administration, our government remains committed to providing more roads,” he said.