The World Bank approved GHS 6.8 billion ($500 million) in financing for the Ghana Market Access and Connectivity Project (GMACP). This large initiative aims to improve rural road connections, strengthen agricultural supply chains, and create jobs in rural communities. The project will directly benefit over 550,000 people across nine regions.
Bad roads and poor maintenance have long hurt rural livelihoods. They limit farmers' access to markets and increase transportation costs. These issues also lead to significant post-harvest losses for agricultural products. The GMACP seeks to fix these problems by fixing over 1,000 kilometers of feeder roads. This will connect rural farming areas to key markets more effectively.
This project is vital for Ghana's economic growth, especially in agriculture. Improving roads will help reduce the cost of moving goods and shorten travel times. Better infrastructure helps farmers sell their produce more reliably and reach wider markets. This supports national food security and reduces food waste.
Robert Taliercio, World Bank Division Director for Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone, highlighted the project's impact. He stated, “This project will improve access to markets and opportunities for rural communities while strengthening Ghana’s agricultural competitiveness and resilience.” He added that the project will specifically benefit around 350,000 farmers, 250,000 women, and 310,000 young people. It also expects to generate more than 5,000 direct jobs and over 25,000 indirect jobs.
Implementation of the GMACP will fall under the Ministry of Roads and Highways. The project will rehabilitate roads across four clusters in the Upper West, Northern, Savannah, Oti, Volta, Eastern, Ashanti, Bono and Western regions. These regions are major producers of staple crops like maize, rice, yam, and cassava. Improved access will help these critical food crops reach consumers more efficiently.
The project also includes features for climate resilience. Road and drainage systems will be built to withstand weather-related risks. This ensures the infrastructure remains functional over time. Sustainability is a key part of the initiative.
The GMACP will support the Road Maintenance Trust Fund (RMTF) and use performance-based contracts for road maintenance. It will also provide technical help to improve institutional capacity. This will ensure that the rehabilitated roads stay in good condition long after the project finishes. This long-term approach helps protect the investment and continues to benefit rural communities.