Ghana's road infrastructure rating has fallen from 'fair' to 'poor' over the last decade. The Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE) reported this significant decline, citing poor maintenance as the primary cause. The country's road network moved from a D3 rating in 2016 to an E1 rating in the 2026 Ghana infrastructure scorecard.
This downgrade signals an urgent need for action to address the deteriorating state of Ghana's roads. Ing. Dr. Patrick Amoah Bekoe, Vice President and Chair of the Public Accountability Committee of the GhIE, highlighted inadequate funding and weak asset management as key contributors. He noted that Ghana's approach has prioritized new road construction over the essential upkeep of existing infrastructure.
The decline in road quality has broad implications for Ghana's economy and its citizens. Poor roads increase travel times, reduce productivity, and impose hidden costs on businesses and individuals. This situation affects the movement of goods and services, potentially slowing economic growth across various sectors. The focus on 'ribbon-cutting projects' rather than preserving existing assets has proven costly for the nation.
Ing. Dr. Amoah Bekoe stated that Ghana had over GHS 17 billion in arrears owed to road contractors by the end of 2014. These unpaid debts have severely hampered contractors' ability to complete projects and maintain roads. He emphasized that the Road Fund, intended for maintenance, has often been diverted for major rehabilitation efforts instead.
The engineer stressed that allowing roads to deteriorate before undertaking costly major rehabilitation is inefficient. Regular, proactive maintenance is more cost-effective and preserves public investment. He also pointed out that overloaded vehicles accelerate road damage, further destroying taxpayer investments if not properly managed.
The GhIE's assessment is not aimed at any specific government but rather at the overall state of Ghana's infrastructure and management systems. The institution welcomes the restructuring of the Road Fund into a Road Maintenance Trust Fund. This change could improve the situation if implemented effectively, offering a new trajectory for road management.
The economic impact of poor roads is substantial. Longer commutes mean less time for work or other productive activities, directly affecting the national output. Businesses face higher transportation costs and increased wear and tear on vehicles. These factors collectively contribute to a less competitive economy and reduced quality of life for Ghanaians.
The GhIE urges the media and public to shift their focus when assessing government performance on roads. Greater attention should be given to the preservation of existing infrastructure, not just the construction of new projects. This change in public discourse can help drive more sustainable and economically sound road policies.
Effective road infrastructure is a cornerstone of economic development, facilitating trade, tourism, and access to essential services. The current 'poor' rating indicates a systemic issue that requires a comprehensive and sustained commitment to maintenance and proper funding. Addressing these challenges is crucial for Ghana's long-term economic prosperity and the daily lives of its citizens.