Ofankor-Nsawam Road Dualisation Hits 77 Percent Completion as Government Clears Arrears

Work on the Ofankor-Nsawam dualisation project, a key stretch of the Accra-Kumasi Highway, has reached 77 percent completion. The 33.4 kilometre segment of National Road Six has been reassigned under the government’s Big Push infrastructure programme.

President John Dramani Mahama inspected ongoing works yesterday, accompanied by the Minister of Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, and senior officials of the ministry. The visit comes three months after his September tour, when public complaints over delays and heavy traffic disruptions were at their peak.

Officials noted that progress had stalled earlier due to outstanding arrears owed to the contractor, Maripoma Enterprise Limited. Government has since cleared all pre 2025 payments, allowing work to resume at full pace.

This year, GH¢14 billion was allocated to the Big Push programme, with an additional GH¢30 billion expected next year to keep major projects running.

President Satisfied After 90 Day Follow Up Visit

The President explained that he returned exactly 90 days after his earlier visit, in line with his promise to reassess the situation.

He recalled that contractors had faced setbacks, including delays in demolitions and long standing non payment for completed work. After directing the Roads and Highways and Finance ministries to address the issue, 70 million dollars was released to the contractor.

The President expressed satisfaction with the improved pace of work and urged the contractor to maintain the momentum. Although the official completion date is July next year, he believes the project could be finished as early as April if current progress continues.

Government Affirms Commitment to Road Expansion

President Mahama reiterated that despite several new road projects underway across the country, government remains committed to completing the Ofankor-Nsawam dualisation. He confirmed that plans for the Accra-Kumasi Expressway would advance alongside the expansion of the N6 corridor.

The proposed expressway is considered the flagship of the Big Push programme. It will be Ghana’s first modern six lane bi directional Class A expressway, covering 198.7 kilometres. When completed, it is expected to shorten travel distance by over 50 kilometres, cut transport costs by nearly 40 percent, and generate more than 30,000 direct and indirect jobs.

It will include eight major interchanges in Accra, Adeiso, Asamankese, Akyem Oda, Ofoase, Lake Bosomtwe, and Kumasi, designed to ease congestion and enhance regional connectivity. Three large bridges over the Birim and Pra Rivers are also planned. In addition, the Adawso-Ekye Amanfrom Bridge will open the Afram Plains to large scale commercial farming.

The President stressed the importance of the N6 corridor for daily commuters and freight transport. He called for efficient site management to limit disruptions and appealed to road users and residents for patience as construction continues.

Long Standing National Priority Nears Completion

The Ofankor-Nsawam dualisation has been on the national agenda for years. The stretch was previously upgraded between 2004 and 2006 with support from a Chinese interest free loan. The current phase began in July 2022 with an initial completion target of July 2024 but was delayed by funding constraints.

Minister Agbodza confirmed that all arrears have now been settled and assured the public that the ministry will enforce the revised schedule.

Once completed, the project is expected to ease congestion, reduce travel time, boost socio economic activity, and strengthen Ghana’s position as a key trade route in the region.