A Ghanaian policy think tank, CUTS International, has urged the government to increase funding for road maintenance in the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review. This urgent call comes after heavy rains worsened conditions of roads, bridges, and drainage systems across the country, placing a growing financial burden on users.
Deteriorating roads are slowing traffic and damaging vehicles. They are also increasing transport costs and disrupting economic activities across Ghana. CUTS International stated that additional money for the Ghana Road Maintenance Trust Fund is now essential. Many roads have significantly deteriorated, with potholes turning into deep gullies that pose safety risks for motorists.
This situation directly affects Ghana's economic productivity and the cost of doing business. Poor road networks hinder the movement of goods and people. They also raise operational costs for transport-dependent sectors. This impacts inflation and overall economic growth. Ghana's commitment to infrastructure development, including the 'Big Push' agenda, relies on maintaining existing assets. Neglecting maintenance risks undermining these broader economic goals.
Appiah Kusi Adomako, Director of the West Africa Regional Centre of CUTS International, highlighted the daily impact. He stated, “Every day, ordinary Ghanaians are paying the price for bad roads. They spend more time in traffic, pay more to fix their cars, use more fuel and face higher risks on the road. This is no longer about minor potholes. In many places, the roads are breaking down badly, and the government must respond with urgency.” The organization stressed that while dry season maintenance is effective, some road sections are now unsafe and require immediate emergency interventions.
The government must now consider these urgent calls during the mid-year budget review. Decision-makers will need to weigh the allocation of additional resources to the Road Fund. They must balance this against other national priorities. This decision will directly impact transport costs, trade efficiency, and citizen safety. It will also influence public perception of infrastructure management. Markets will monitor the government's response to these infrastructure challenges. This response affects sectors dependent on efficient transport networks.
CUTS International advocates for comprehensive maintenance programmes, including drainage improvements and bridge repairs. Temporary pothole patching will not provide a lasting solution to the problem. They also cautioned against neglecting existing roads while pursuing new construction under the 'Big Push' agenda. The current allocation to the Ghana Road Maintenance Trust Fund is GHS 3.0 billion for 2026. This was GHS 3.1 billion in 2025. CUTS believes this amount is insufficient given the extensive damage from the recent rains.
Mr. Adomako reiterated the economic imperative. He warned, “The Road Fund must be strong enough to do what it was created to do. If we do not put enough money into road maintenance today, the cost will not disappear. It will be paid by drivers, passengers, businesses, farmers, traders and families through higher transport costs, damaged vehicles, lost time and avoidable accidents.” The economic burden falls on everyday Ghanaians and businesses.
Beyond funding, CUTS urged Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to receive enough resources. This would allow them to undertake road and bridge repairs in their areas. They added that local authorities often spot infrastructure problems first. CUTS also called for resolving issues around the suspended National Roads Authority Act, 2024 (Act 1118). They argue its suspension weakens local road management. They also advocate for reintroducing road tolls through a modern, technology-driven system. This could provide sustainable funding for road maintenance, acting as an additional revenue stream. Road tolls were a significant revenue source before their suspension in 2021.
The policy think tank encouraged the government to use the mid-year budget review to show stronger commitment. This commitment should focus on maintaining road infrastructure and preserving existing assets. Roads are vital for connecting people to workplaces, schools, hospitals, and markets. Failing to maintain them affects productivity and overall economic growth. This decision will shape Ghana's economic resilience in the coming years.