The Ofankor-Nsawam road project is one of the major transport infrastructure investments in the country, designed to transform a critical section of the Accra-Kumasi Highway and ease congestion along one of the country’s busiest corridors.

The 33.4-kilometre dualisation project, being executed by Maripoma Enterprise Limited, has a contract value of about GH¢346.48 million and is expected to improve connectivity between Accra and other parts of the country.

The project includes the expansion of the existing road, construction of interchanges, flyovers, footbridges, drainage systems, and other supporting infrastructure aimed at improving road safety, reducing travel time, and enhancing the movement of people and goods.

Why the Ofankor-Nsawam road project is facing delays

For thousands of commuters, transport operators, and businesses that depend on the Accra-Kumasi Highway daily, the completion of the project is expected to provide significant relief by reducing congestion, improving travel times, and supporting economic activity along a major trade route.

However, despite the scale of the investment and its expected benefits, the project has faced several setbacks, including compensation disputes, utility relocation challenges, and funding constraints, resulting in delays and renewed questions about cost management and value for money.

This GhanaWeb article chronicles the timeline of the delays.

July 2022 – Construction begins

Construction of the Ofankor-Nsawam road project commenced in 2022 under the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo-led government, aiming to deliver a major upgrade to one of Ghana’s most congested road corridors.

The project was initially expected to be completed within about two years.

July 2024 – Original completion deadline missed

The initial completion target passed with major works still outstanding, raising concerns over the pace of construction and the factors contributing to the delay. Commuters staged a number of protests to register their displeasure over the stalled project at the time.

2024–2025 – Compensation and utility challenges slow progress

Progress on the project was affected by challenges relating to compensation payments for affected property owners and the relocation of utility infrastructure, including electricity, water, and telecommunications lines.

These challenges slowed construction, as some sections required the removal of structures and the relocation of existing services before work could continue.

2025 – Financing concerns emerge

Funding challenges became a major issue in 2025, with concerns raised over outstanding payments to the contractor and the impact on construction progress.

The government subsequently made payments to address contractor arrears, with more than US$70 million cleared to support the continuation of road projects, including the Ofankor-Nsawam corridor.

During an inspection of the project, President John Dramani Mahama questioned why the initial financing for the project had been exhausted before completion.

"A loan was taken for this project, and I don’t understand why the money is finished and the project is not over," he said. "We are now having to pay an additional GH¢78 million from government funds. We need to find out what really happened, whether the estimates were wrong or something else went wrong."

2025–2026 – New completion target set

Following further assessments, the contractor was directed to accelerate work, with completion targeted for the second quarter of 2026.

Officials indicated that progress had improved, although some sections of the project remained unfinished.

New deadline missed

The construction consultant, Kwabena Bempong, attributed some of the delays to compensation-related challenges involving persons affected by the project.

According to him, while affected persons are entitled to compensation, disagreements over payments can delay major infrastructure projects.

"On the Ofankor-Nsawam road, just when we had pushed and pushed and the government came in, people said they were no more interested, and they would not accept the money that was given to them," he said.

Bempong further noted that road expansion projects often come with complex challenges, particularly the relocation of utility lines and the removal of structures within road reservations.

"The challenges we have on our road projects are similar across the board," he stated.

The cost of delays and the value-for-money question

The Ofankor-Nsawam road project represents a major financial commitment, with the original contract valued at GH¢346.48 million.

Ofankor-Nsawam: Roads Ministry announces new traffic diversion for asphalt works

However, delays in completion have increased concerns over whether the country is receiving maximum value from the investment, particularly as prolonged construction periods can increase costs, extend disruptions, and delay the economic benefits expected from completed infrastructure.

The additional financial commitments made to sustain the project have also intensified scrutiny over project planning, cost estimates, and financing arrangements.

Beyond the direct financial implications, the delays have affected thousands of motorists who rely on the corridor daily.

The unfinished works have contributed to traffic management challenges, longer travel times, and inconvenience for commuters, while businesses transporting goods along the route have faced increased operational pressures.

President Mahama has placed the project under the government's Big Push programme, which has received an allocation of GH¢14 billion for 2025, with an additional GH¢30 billion projected for 2026.

He assured the contractor that the government would provide the necessary resources to ensure the project remains on track, while demanding faster execution and adherence to quality standards.

"As the government commits to pay you well, you too must commit to move faster on the road and also use quality materials," he said. "Your company is one of the well-known road construction companies in Ghana, and so we hope this project will reflect the quality of your brand."

With the initial and revised timelines missed, commuters are anxiously waiting for a new completion timeline for the project, which is expected to transform daily commuting, boost economic productivity, and strengthen Ghana’s position as a trade hub in the sub-region.



Read more details below:



JKB/BAI

From Wontumi to Miracles: NPP national executive hopefuls under criminal investigations