President John Dramani Mahama has described the Central Region as a prime destination for investment and tourism, expressing optimism that ongoing road infrastructure projects will unlock its full economic potential.
Speaking after inspecting progress on the Kasoa–Winneba Rehabilitation Project, the President acknowledged the temporary hardship faced by commuters but assured that relief is imminent.
“When we launched the Big Push project and cut the sod for the Dawhenya–Afienya Road, I indicated that there would be some inconvenience. I understand the frustration of commuters, but help is on the way,” he said.
President Mahama commended the contractor for the quality and pace of work, noting that the project reinforces confidence in local capacity.
“I have seen the progress and quality of work, and I think the contractor has done a good job. It reinforces our confidence in Ghanaian contractors to deliver world-class projects comparable to international standards,” he stated.
He expressed hope that the stretch from Kasoa to Winneba will be opened by the end of the year or by the first quarter of next year.
The President explained that while the Kasoa overpass helped ease congestion within the township, it inadvertently shifted traffic bottlenecks further along the corridor. “It removed congestion in Kasoa but created a new bottleneck at Budumburam.
This project resolves that by opening the road all the way to Winneba,” he said. He added that ongoing and planned works extending from Winneba to Mankesim, and onward to Cape Coast, will significantly improve travel across the region.
“We have awarded the dualisation of the Winneba–Mankesim road and the Mankesim–Cape Coast road. This means commuters heading to Cape Coast will soon enjoy a smooth journey throughout,” he noted.
In the short term, the President announced that sections of the road will soon be opened to ease traffic flow.
“In the next three to four weeks, the middle lanes will be opened so that traffic heading to Winneba, Mankesim, and Cape Coast can move freely without using the side roads,” he said.
President Mahama emphasized that improved road infrastructure is key to attracting investment into the Central Region, which he described as underutilized due to poor connectivity.
“The Central Region is an attractive place for investment and tourism, but road constraints have held it back. Once we complete this network, investors will begin to open factories along this corridor,” he explained.
He noted that similar development trends are already visible along the Tema–Dawa corridor, where improved roads have drawn industries and created jobs.
Beyond the main highway, the President called for attention to feeder and community roads to ensure inclusive development.
“I will ask the Minister to look at the feeder roads so that communities benefit fully and do not just have a highway passing through without internal access roads,” he said.
He also commended the contractor for undertaking corporate social responsibility initiatives, recalling similar interventions during earlier road projects.
“When we constructed the Kasoa Road, we included boreholes, schools, and a polyclinic. These are important to ensure communities feel compensated for the disruption,” he added.
President Mahama disclosed that the project, inherited from the previous administration, had stalled due to unpaid debts to contractors but has since been revived under the government’s “Big Push” initiative.
“At the time we took over, the project had virtually stalled because the contractor was owed significant sums. We brought it under the Big Push, which has dedicated funding,” he said. He assured contractors of prompt payment to accelerate delivery.
“As we speak, we do not owe any Big Push contractor. Once you work and present your certificates, you will be paid,” he emphasized.
Looking ahead, the President reiterated plans to expand road connectivity beyond the main corridor, including upgrading the Winneba Junction–Swedru Road and linking it to the Accra–Kumasi highway.
“This will create alternative routes for commuters and further ease traffic pressure,” he said.
He expressed optimism that the project will soon be completed and formally commissioned.
“We look forward to returning here at the end of the year or early next year to commission this road,” President Mahama concluded.
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
