The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has threatened to strike if the government fails to address the deplorable condition of the Pokuase–Nsawam road. The union has given the government a one-week ultimatum, which expires on Wednesday, 20 August.
The Nsawam–Ofankor road project, awarded in July 2022, was expected to be completed by July 2024. Revised timelines shifted the completion date to May 2025, but work remains unfinished. Analysts estimate the project is 68% complete, leaving 32% outstanding.
The road is supposed to be about 33.4 kilometers with 10 lanes. Six of the 10 lanes are supposed to be for express, and then four for services and other connections. The road also includes four interchanges.
Completion requires $346.5 million, approximately GH¢34 billion. However, delays have compounded challenges for commuters, who continue to endure the deplorable condition of the stretch.
Budget shortfalls and compensation hurdles
According to the Ministry of Roads and Highways, only 47% of Ghana’s roads are in good condition. About 32% are fairly good, while 21% remain in a deplorable condition. Despite this, budget allocations to the sector are projected to drop by 30% this year.
A large share of funds is used for management and administration, leaving just GH¢1.2 billion for actual capital projects. By contrast, the Nsawam–Ofankor project alone requires more than GH¢34 billion.
The project has also stalled over compensation disputes. So far, the estimation is that compensation alone is expected to cover around 4.3 million Ghana cedis.
Ultimatum from transport operators
The deplorable condition of the Pokuase–Nsawam stretch poses both national and regional risks. The road serves as a critical link between Accra and Kumasi and provides a transit route for Burkina Faso and other Sahelian nations relying on Ghana’s ports. The GPRTU says it will only suspend its planned sit-down strike if the government resumes repair works immediately. The union insists the strike action is necessary to highlight the dangers created by the deplorable condition of the road.
For now, commuters, transport operators, and traders continue to struggle with the effects of the deplorable condition, awaiting clear government action before the ultimatum deadline.
