Ghana’s road safety conditions have reached a critical point, with the Ghana Institute of Engineers (GhIE) rating them E2. This assessment places the nation’s roads close to being declared unsafe for human use. The GhIE’s infrastructure scorecard, which examined data from 2017 to 2024, reveals a worrying trend in the quality and safety of the country’s road network.
This alarming rating stems from the deteriorating state of roads across Ghana. Poorly maintained infrastructure leads to significant challenges for commuters and businesses alike. These issues include increased traffic congestion, longer travel times, and higher fuel consumption. The current conditions also contribute to a greater number of road accidents, impacting public health and economic productivity.
The GhIE’s findings underscore a broader challenge within Ghana’s infrastructure development. The country relies heavily on road transport, with approximately 90% of all passengers and freight moving via roads. This dependence means that any decline in road quality has widespread economic and social repercussions. The GhIE introduced its infrastructure scorecard in 2016, initially assessing three sectors before expanding to eight, providing a comprehensive overview of national infrastructure.
Ing. Dr. Charles Kwarteng Asafo-Adjei, a member of the Public Accountability Committee of the Ghana Institute of Engineers, emphasized the severity of the situation. Speaking on Joy FM, he stated, “Road safety was graded E2. It means we are at the next stage where, virtually, our roads may be declared unsafe for human use.” He highlighted that the assessment covered eight infrastructure sectors, with provisional figures extending to 2025.
The implications of this warning are far-reaching for Ghana’s economy and its citizens. Businesses face higher operational costs due to vehicle damage and delays in goods delivery. Households bear the burden of increased transport expenses and greater risks of accidents. Policymakers must now consider urgent interventions to prevent further deterioration and mitigate the economic fallout. The GhIE’s report serves as a critical call to action for national development planning.
Expanding the road network alone will not solve the problem, according to Dr. Asafo-Adjei. The number of vehicles and the demand for transport are growing faster than the supply of new infrastructure. This imbalance creates persistent pressure on existing roads, accelerating their wear and tear. Therefore, a multi-faceted approach is essential to address the underlying issues effectively.
The GhIE advocates for several key measures to improve road safety and quality. These include stronger enforcement of traffic regulations and road safety standards. Sustained public education campaigns are also crucial to promote responsible road use. Regular and timely road maintenance programs are necessary to preserve existing infrastructure. Furthermore, regulating vehicle and motorcycle movement in critical areas can help manage traffic flow and reduce risks.
Dr. Asafo-Adjei urged policymakers to treat the deteriorating road safety conditions as a national emergency. He stressed that the issue is fundamentally about protecting lives, not merely about expanding infrastructure. This perspective calls for a shift in policy focus, prioritizing safety and maintenance alongside new construction projects. The economic costs of inaction, including healthcare expenses from accidents and productivity losses, far outweigh the investment needed for robust road management.
The current state of Ghana’s roads could deter foreign investment and impact tourism, both vital sectors for economic growth. Reliable infrastructure is a cornerstone of a thriving economy, facilitating trade and connectivity. Without significant improvements, Ghana risks falling behind its regional peers in infrastructure development. The GhIE’s report provides a clear roadmap for addressing these critical challenges, demanding immediate and sustained attention from all stakeholders.