CUTS International, Accra, has urged the government to increase allocations to the Ghana Road Maintenance Trust Fund. This call comes ahead of the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review. The policy think tank warns that Ghana’s deteriorating road network is imposing rising costs on commuters and businesses.
Heavy rains this year severely damaged roads, bridges, and drains. Many damaged sections have become deep gullies, moving beyond simple potholes. These pose significant safety hazards and economic risks. CUTS argues that bad roads are now a daily economic burden, not just an inconvenience.
This issue fits into Ghana’s broader economic narrative regarding infrastructure maintenance. Successive governments have often prioritised new road construction. However, maintenance of existing roads has frequently been neglected. This approach leads to rapid deterioration of costly public assets. This also necessitates more expensive rehabilitation later.
Appiah Kusi Adomako, Director of the West Africa Regional Centre of CUTS International, Accra, highlighted the direct impact. He stated, “Every day, ordinary Ghanaians are paying the price for bad roads.” He explained commuters spend more time in traffic and pay higher vehicle repair and fuel costs. He stressed that the government must respond with urgency to this breakdown.
The call for more funding comes as the government prepares its 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review. This review is a critical moment to adjust expenditure priorities. CUTS stresses that road maintenance must be a prominent feature in this review. Delaying action until the rainy season ends will only worsen the damage. This delay will also increase eventual repair costs significantly.
CUTS acknowledged that road maintenance is more durable during the dry season. However, it argues that many road sections now need emergency intervention. These interventions are crucial to keep roads safe and usable immediately. The group warns that temporary patching alone is insufficient. Patched potholes often fail quickly because underlying issues like poor drainage are not addressed.
The organisation urges investment beyond simple patching. It advocates for proper maintenance, drainage works, and bridge repairs. Stronger supervision of road construction and rehabilitation is also essential. This comprehensive approach ensures long-term solutions.
The think tank also cautioned against neglecting existing roads while focusing on new construction. Ghana’s “Big Push” agenda for new roads is important for national development. However, neglecting current infrastructure could weaken the entire transport system. Mr Adomako stressed that a road network is only as strong as its weakest link. Protecting existing road assets is a cost-effective way to preserve public investment.
The 2026 Budget allocated GHS 3.0 billion to the Ghana Road Maintenance Trust Fund. In 2025, the fund received GHS 3.1 billion. While these allocations are welcome, CUTS asserts that the extensive damage from recent rains demands additional support. Mr Adomako warned that insufficient funds for road maintenance today will lead to higher costs for all Ghanaians tomorrow.
CUTS also recommended proper resourcing for Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies. These assemblies are closer to communities. They are typically the first to identify road problems. Giving them funding and authority allows them to address urgent maintenance needs before they escalate.