President John Dramani Mahama has stated that completed sections of the Ho-Aflao Highway reconstruction project will be commissioned within the next six months. He expects substantial portions of the road to be ready for use by early or mid-2027. This significant infrastructure development aims to improve connectivity and economic activity in the Volta Region.
The President made this announcement on Friday, July 17, during the commissioning of the Akatsi North District Police Headquarters. He emphasized the government's commitment to enhancing road infrastructure across the region. The Ho-Aflao Highway project is a major beneficiary of the government's flagship 'Big Push' programme, which focuses on large-scale infrastructure development.
This project is critical for Ghana's economic growth, particularly in the Volta Region, which relies heavily on road networks for trade and transportation. The improved highway will facilitate the movement of goods and people, potentially boosting agricultural and commercial activities. This aligns with the broader national agenda to upgrade infrastructure, which is essential for attracting investment and fostering regional development.
President Mahama recalled his 2024 election campaign promise to prioritize the Ho-Aflao road due to its then-deplorable condition. He expressed satisfaction with the current progress, noting that the government divided the highway into five sections. This strategy allowed different contractors to work simultaneously, improving efficiency and monitoring of the project.
The President highlighted that one section is almost 75 percent complete, while others range between 30 and 35 percent completion. He commended the contractors, engineers, and technical personnel for their quality work and pace. The overall project has a scheduled completion date of December 2027, but several sections are progressing ahead of schedule.
Beyond the Ho-Aflao Highway, President Mahama also announced that Akatsi North would benefit from additional road infrastructure. This will come under a proposed US$500 million World Bank-funded Rural Roads Programme. The government intends to submit this programme to Parliament for approval in the coming week.
This rural roads initiative complements the 'Big Push' programme, which focuses on major trunk roads like the Eastern Corridor Road and the Ho-Atimpoku Highway. The government remains committed to rehabilitating feeder roads to improve access to farming communities. This will stimulate local economic activity and enhance market access for agricultural produce.
The Logakope Junction–Agormor–Kove Road in the Akatsi North District has been selected for rehabilitation under this new programme. President Mahama assured residents that the government would continue to make annual budgetary allocations for road development nationwide. He stated that roads not included this year could be added in 2027 or 2028, demonstrating a long-term commitment to improving road connectivity across Ghana.
The timely completion of these road projects is crucial for Ghana's economic outlook. Enhanced infrastructure reduces transportation costs, improves supply chain efficiency, and supports regional integration. Investors and businesses will closely monitor the progress, as reliable road networks are fundamental for sustained economic growth and development.