By Regina Nomo (UniMAC –IJ, Faculty of Journalism, [email protected])
Introduction
Ghana is a West African country known for its rich culture, vibrant economy and stable democracy, but it faces major challenges for the development of poor road infrastructure.
Despite several government initiatives and support from the international community, poor roads remain a major factor affecting the socio-economic development of the country.
Scope of the problem
Ghana’s poor roads are more than a minor inconvenience with far-reaching effects on daily life, business and the development of the country as a whole. About 60% of Ghana’s road network is classified as being in poor condition, and much of the country, especially in rural areas, has inadequate or non-existent roads.
Economic impact
The economic impact of road infrastructure is enormous. In a country that relies heavily on agriculture, the lack of adequate roads makes it difficult to transport goods from rural areas to urban markets. Farmers struggle to transport their produce intact to the market, resulting in huge post-harvest losses. This inefficiency not only reduces farmers’ incomes, but also leads to higher food prices and inflation. In addition, the industrial and service sectors are also vulnerable. Bad roads increase vehicle operating costs, and frequent breakdowns and maintenance problems increase the financial burden on businesses. This ultimately affects the cost of goods and services, reducing the competitiveness of Ghanaian businesses both internally and externally.
Health and safety concern
Poor roads lead to high rates of road accidents, which are the leading cause of death and injury in Ghana. According to the National Road Safety Authority, 2,284 people died in traffic accidents in 2020 alone. Many accidents are caused by poor road conditions, with the main factors being potholes, erosion and lack of proper signage. In villages, the lack of adequate roads can delay access to basic health services. Emergency medical responses are often slow and critically ill patients may not receive timely care, resulting in preventable deaths.
Government and policy responses
The government of Ghana has recognized the importance of improving road infrastructure and has launched several initiatives to address this problem. The Department of Roads and Highways oversees highway construction and maintenance projects. Major investments have been made, such as China Hydropower’s $2 billion deal aimed at improving infrastructure across the country. However, the implementation of these projects has been hampered by several challenges, including corruption, mismanagement and delays. Reports of misappropriation of funds and abandoned projects are common, raising frustration and doubts about the effectiveness of government intervention.
The role of international partners
International partners play an important role in supporting the development of road infrastructure in Ghana. Organizations such as the World Bank and the African Development Bank have provided financial and technical assistance to several road projects. For example, the World Bank’s $150 million Ghana Urban Support Program aims to improve urban infrastructure, including roads, in secondary cities across the country. Despite this support, local impact remains limited due to procedural issues within local governance and policy implementation.
Public engagement with the private sector
The public and private sectors are increasingly seen as important players in solving road infrastructure challenges. Local communities often take matters into their own hands and organize road construction workers. At the same time, private companies are encouraged to adopt the methods and contribute to their maintenance as part of their corporate social initiatives.
Conclusion
Although significant progress has been made, much remains to be done to ensure that the country’s infrastructure supports its socio-economic development goals. Addressing the underlying issues of corruption, improving project management and ensuring timely maintenance are key steps in implementing best practices, which will lead to a better future for Ghana.
