The Ghanaian Parliament has approved a substantial budget of GH¢3.2 billion for the Ministry of Roads and Highways for the fiscal year 2025. This significant allocation underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing the nation’s road infrastructure, a crucial element for economic growth and development. The funding will fuel a range of projects aimed at improving connectivity, safety, and efficiency across the country’s road network. A key component of this budgetary allocation will be directed towards the ongoing construction of four bypasses on the vital Accra-Kumasi Highway. These bypasses, strategically located at Osino, Anyinam, Enyiresi, and Konongo, are designed to alleviate traffic congestion, reduce travel time, and enhance road safety along this critical artery of commerce and transportation.
The Ministry’s plans extend beyond major highways to encompass a comprehensive approach to road development nationwide. This includes the dualization of key trunk roads, a strategic move to expand capacity and facilitate smoother traffic flow. Furthermore, the Ministry is prioritizing safety improvements across the road network, recognizing the urgent need to mitigate accidents and enhance the overall safety of commuters. These improvements may encompass measures such as improved signage, road markings, and the installation of safety barriers in accident-prone areas. The comprehensive nature of the Ministry’s plan reflects a commitment to not just expanding the road network but also ensuring its quality and safety for all users.
In addition to infrastructure development, the Ministry of Roads and Highways is focusing on strengthening its human resource capacity. The Ghana Highway Authority, operating under the Ministry, intends to recruit 137 new staff members. This recruitment drive is directly linked to the recent establishment of new regions and regional offices, a decentralization effort aimed at bringing services closer to the people and enhancing operational efficiency. By bolstering its workforce, the Ministry seeks to ensure effective management and oversight of the numerous road projects planned for the year. This strategic investment in human capital is crucial for the successful implementation and long-term sustainability of the infrastructure projects.
The GH¢3.2 billion allocation for the Ministry of Roads and Highways forms a significant part of the overall 2025 Budget Statement and Economic Policy, presented to Parliament by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson. The budget, themed “Resetting Ghana for the Economy We Want,” highlights the government’s focus on revitalizing the economy and promoting sustainable development. Within this framework, investment in road infrastructure is recognized as a key driver of economic activity, facilitating trade, creating jobs, and connecting communities. The Ministry’s plans, therefore, align with the overarching national economic goals outlined in the budget.
Following the presentation of the budget on March 11, 2025, Parliament engaged in a period of thorough deliberation and debate. This process culminated on March 25, 2025, with comments from both the Majority and Minority Leaders, signifying the conclusion of the budget review. The approval of the GH¢3.2 billion allocation for the Ministry of Roads and Highways reflects a consensus on the importance of investing in road infrastructure as a catalyst for economic growth. The collaborative approach displayed during the budget discussions reinforces the shared commitment to improving the nation’s transportation network.
The approved budget for the Ministry of Roads and Highways signifies a substantial investment in Ghana’s future. The planned projects are not merely about constructing roads; they represent a strategic effort to connect communities, facilitate trade, and enhance the overall quality of life for Ghanaians. The focus on dualization, safety improvements, and the construction of bypasses demonstrates a comprehensive approach to road development, addressing both capacity and safety concerns. Coupled with the planned recruitment drive within the Ghana Highway Authority, these initiatives signal a concerted effort to build a robust and efficient road network that will underpin the nation’s economic growth and contribute to its overall development goals.
