Mahama 2026 SONA Address: Ghana Embarks on Historic 2,000km Road Rehabilitation Drive
Mahama 2026 SONA Address
Mahama 2026 SONA Address: Ghana Embarks on Historic 2,000km Road Rehabilitation Drive, Expressway Mega-Project, and Transport Modernization
Ghana Embarks on Historic 2,000km Road Rehabilitation Drive, Expressway Mega-Project, and Transport Modernization
Government Launches “Big Push” Infrastructure Strategy to Transform Mobility, Trade, and Aviation
President John Dramani Mahama has announced one of the largest infrastructure development programs in Ghana’s history, revealing that about 2,000 kilometers of roads are currently under rehabilitation nationwide.
Delivering the State of the Nation Address, the President said the initiative forms part of the government’s “Big Push” infrastructure strategy, which aims to transform transportation, trade, and economic connectivity.
Massive Road Rehabilitation Across All Regions
According to the president, roadworks are advancing across Ghana’s 16 regions, with 73 major projects showing visible progress.
Some priority roads under construction or rehabilitation include:
- Tepama–Bangosu Road
- Bekumase Bypass
- Swami Interchange and local roads
- Sunyani Outer Ring Road
- Sampa–Demijini Road
- Teteima–Ukonsia–Wenchi Road
- Winneba–Kofo Dualization
- Pahutapo–Adosu Road
- Yodowa–Achinia–Dawenia Road
- Wenchi–Nakpanduri Road
- Tamale Outer Ring Road
- Bole–Tatale–Bole Township roads
- Nabrongo–Tumum Road
- Atimpoku–Wurudu Road
- Accra–Aflao Dualization
- Cape Coast–Takoradi Dualization
The president stated that the vision is to turn Ghana into a “national construction site” to accelerate economic transformation.
Accra–Kumasi Expressway Mega Project
One of the flagship projects is the proposed 198.7 km Accra–Kumasi Expressway, which will be Ghana’s first true controlled-access motorway.
Key features include
- Six-lane high-speed motorway
- Eight interchanges
- Travel time between Accra and Kumasi reduced to about 2.5 hours
- Limited access points to enhance safety
- Modern traffic control infrastructure
The project will be executed under a 50-year concession model through the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund.
The concessionaire, Accra-Masli Expressway Limited, will design, finance, construct, operate, and maintain the motorway.
Feasibility studies, detailed engineering designs, and cost assessments are currently ongoing.
Eastern Corridor and Major Bridge Projects
The government has committed to completing all outstanding segments of the Eastern Corridor Road by 2027.
Other strategic infrastructure includes:
- Completion of the 27.7 km Accra–Tema Motorway reconstruction, converting it into a four-lane expressway with service lanes and interchanges at:
- Ashaiman
- Community 18
- Teshie Link
- Tetteh Quarshie interchange (32% completion)
Bridge projects include:
- Voliboke Bridge over the Volta River
- Kudanpai Bridge over the River Oti
- Adoson Bridge over the River Afram
Reintroduction of Road Tolls with Technology
The Ministry of Roads and Highways has received Cabinet approval to reintroduce road tolling.
The new system will use advanced digital payment technology to:
- Improve revenue transparency
- Reduce leakages
- Enhance road maintenance financing
Tolling operations are expected to resume within the year.
Public Transport Modernization
To improve passenger transport:
- The government is supporting Metro Mass Transit Limited and other operators to renew fleets.
Bus Procurement Program
- 300 buses have been procured.
- The first batch of 100 buses is expected by the end of the first quarter of 2026.
National Airline Revival
A 10-member task force has submitted a business and operational framework for the re-establishment of a national airline.
The new carrier is expected to operate through a strategic partnership model.
Aviation Sector Expansion
Passenger traffic handled by the Ghana Airports Company Limited increased to 3.625 million passengers in 2025, up from 3.4 million in 2024.
Key aviation developments include:
Terminal Modernization
- Remodeling of Terminal 2 at the Kotoka International Airport.
The new design will allow:
- Domestic and international flight operations
- Passenger movement through a connecting concourse between Terminals 2 and 3
- Reduced congestion at Terminal 3
Additional infrastructure includes:
- Seven-story car park
- Airport hotel
- Retail commercial facilities
Runway expansion and overlay works are also ongoing.
New Regional Airports Planned
The government will construct new airports in:
- Sunyani (new site selected due to runway limitations)
- Bolgatanga
- Wa
Site acquisition has been completed for some locations.
Restoration of Accra International Airport Name
The government intends to revert the international airport’s name to Accra International Airport, noting that international aviation records under organizations such as ICAO and IATA still reflect the original designation.
Transport Vision
President Mahama emphasized that efficient transport infrastructure is essential for economic development, trade expansion, and regional integration.
The administration says it remains committed to modernizing Ghana’s road, rail, and aviation systems.
