Overview of the Ofankor-Nsawam Road Construction Project

The Ofankor-Nsawam Road project involves the dualization of a 33.4 km stretch of the Accra-Kumasi Highway (National Route 6), transforming it into a 10-lane dual carriageway with interchanges, flyovers, footbridges, and bridges at key points including Amasaman, Pobiman, Medie, and Nsawam Junction. Awarded to Maripoma Enterprise Limited in July 2022 at a cost of GH¢341.48 million, the project aims to alleviate severe traffic congestion, improve connectivity to northern Ghana and landlocked neighbors (Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger), and support socio-economic development in the Ga West Municipal Assembly areas like Pokuase, Amasaman, Medie, and Sarpeiman.

Originally slated for completion by July 2024, the project has faced repeated delays due to funding shortfalls, compensation disputes, litigation, and contractor arrears. As of September 16, 2025, under the Mahama administration’s “Big Push” initiative (with GHS14 billion allocated in 2025 and GHS30 billion planned for 2026), the government has cleared all pre-2025 debts (totaling $77 million) to Maripoma, enabling full remobilization. This has spurred accelerated work, reducing congestion and bringing relief to motorists.

Timeline of Key Milestones and Progress
– **2022 (Start)**: Construction begins under the Akufo-Addo administration. Initial target: July 2024.
– **Early 2024**: Substantial progress expected by November 2024, with full completion eyed for early 2025. Contractor requests one-year extension to July 2025 due to challenges.
– **May 2025**: Revised deadline of May 21, 2025, missed; Parliamentary Select Committee on Roads expresses concerns over delays.
– **March 2025**: Roads Minister Kwame Governs Agbodza inspects site, directs contractors to grade and water the road regularly for motorability amid complaints of poor conditions.
– **April 2025**: Fruitful discussions lead to contractor remobilization; work resumes immediately after payment assurances.
– **August 2025**: Government pays over GH¢400 million in arrears; Minister Agbodza expects scaled-up work. Residents note steady progress (e.g., concrete work, road filling) but raise design concerns and dust issues. Ghana Highway Authority (GHA) intensifies repairs; traffic eases on Medie-Kuntunse stretch.
– **September 2025 (Current)**: Project reaches 75% completion. President Mahama visits site on September 3, clears remaining arrears, and holds contractor to Q2 2026 deadline (June 2026). Recent activities include laying binder asphalt at Macedonia Junction, temporary opening of Nsawam-Accra lane to traffic, and consistent enhancements along the route. Motorists report reduced congestion and gratitude for revival efforts. On-site visuals from mid-September show ongoing asphalt laying, filling, and structure erection, with workers active despite some dust and design critiques.

| Phase | Key Achievements | Challenges Faced | Status as of Sept 2025 |
|——-|——————|——————|————————-|
| **Foundation & Earthworks (0-25%)** | Initial site clearing and base preparation completed by late 2023. | Early funding delays. | Fully complete. |
| **Drainage & Structures (25-50%)** | Bridges, footbridges, and partial interchanges at Amasaman/Pobiman built; drainage systems installed. | Compensation litigations slowed progress in 2024. | 90% complete; ongoing refinements. |
| **Paving & Carriageways (50-75%)** | 8 lanes from Ofankor to Pokuase and 10 lanes to Nsawam Bypass paved; asphalt works resumed in August. | Arrears led to stall in November 2024; dust/pollution complaints. | 75% overall; Nsawam-Accra lane temporarily opened; binder course laid at key junctions. |
| **Finishing & Interchanges (75-100%)** | Flyovers at Medie/Nsawam Junction under construction; full interchanges pending. | Design concerns from residents; final funding mobilization. | 40% complete; accelerated under Big Push; target Q2 2026. |

### Current Status and Impacts
As of mid-September 2025, the project is 75% complete, with steady advancements including asphalt paving, concrete works, and structure erection visible across stretches like Pokuase-Festus and Medie-Kuntunse. Traffic flow has improved significantly—the Nsawam-Accra lane’s temporary opening has eased peak-hour jams, and contractors are working around the clock. However, challenges persist: choking dust requires more frequent watering, some sections remain motorable but rough, and residents worry about interchange designs potentially exacerbating local access issues. No major accidents or protests reported recently, unlike earlier in 2025.

The revival has boosted public optimism, with commuters praising the government’s intervention for reducing commute times and pollution. Minister Agbodza emphasizes no outstanding payments remain, ensuring uninterrupted progress. GHA commits to regular updates.

### Future Outlook
With full funding secured and contractor pledges in place, completion is targeted for June 2026. President Mahama has vowed accountability, stating the project is now a priority under the Big Push. Successful finish will cut travel time from Accra to Nsawam by over 50%, enhance trade logistics, and provide economic relief. Monitoring by the Ministry and GHA will address remaining hurdles like dust mitigation and community concerns to deliver on time.