The Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE) has called on the government to significantly increase investment in critical infrastructure. This call comes ahead of the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review. The GhIE also stressed the need for greater emphasis on maintaining existing infrastructure assets.
This urgent appeal follows the recent release of the Ghana Infrastructure Scorecard. The scorecard assessed the state of the country's infrastructure. It awarded Ghana an overall score of 2.8 out of 5, which is equivalent to a D3 rating. This low score highlights a pressing need for immediate action in various sectors.
The GhIE's recommendation fits into Ghana's broader economic narrative of striving for sustainable development. Adequate infrastructure is a key driver for economic growth, facilitating trade and attracting foreign investment. Persistent underfunding in this area can hinder the nation's progress towards its economic goals.
Dr. Patrick-A. Bekoe, Vice President of the Public Accountability Committee of the Ghana Institution of Engineering, articulated these concerns. Speaking on Joy FM's Super Morning Show, he stated, "One of the things that came out from our assessment was that funding within the infrastructure sector is quite limited." He added that the GhIE expects the Finance Minister to allocate more resources to this vital sector. Dr. Bekoe also noted that infrastructure serves as a catalyst for development and a foundation for achieving economic growth.
The GhIE's assessment examined several critical sectors. These included roads, energy, telecommunications, and water. Dr. Bekoe pointed out that these key areas have experienced inadequate funding for the past 10 years. This lack of investment has negatively impacted their development and long-term sustainability. He emphasized that the required investment levels to improve these sectors have simply not been sufficient.
Beyond new investments, Dr. Bekoe highlighted the importance of maintaining existing infrastructure. He observed that Ghana's maintenance culture remains weak. This weakness leads to the premature deterioration of public assets. It also increases the long-term cost of repairs and replacement. Prioritizing maintenance would improve service delivery and enhance safety.
The GhIE believes that increased infrastructure spending will support national development. It will improve productivity, facilitate trade, and attract investment. This will ultimately strengthen Ghana's economic resilience. The Finance Minister is expected to present the 2026 mid-year budget review to Parliament later today. Stakeholders across various sectors are keenly awaiting measures aimed at sustaining economic recovery and addressing critical development needs.
The government's response to these recommendations will be crucial. It will signal its commitment to long-term economic stability and growth. Investors and citizens alike will watch closely for concrete plans to address the infrastructure deficit. This includes both new projects and the proper upkeep of existing assets. The budget review will therefore be a key indicator of the government's strategic priorities for the coming year.