Delivering the 2026 State of the Nation Address on Friday, February 27, the President described the programme as the most extensive road-sector investment in Ghana’s history. He explained that the initiative aims to unlock key economic corridors, stimulate employment, and reduce the cost of transporting goods and services.

In addition to the new projects, government is finalising 23 road contracts inherited from the previous administration. These cover 573 kilometres and are valued at GH¢15 billion. In total, nearly 2,000 kilometres of roads are being upgraded or rehabilitated across all 16 regions, with 73 projects already showing measurable progress.

A major highlight of the programme is the proposed 198.7-kilometre six-lane Accra–Kumasi Expressway, expected to cut travel time between Accra and Kumasi to about two and a half hours. The limited-access motorway — the first purpose-built expressway of its kind in the country — will feature eight interchanges and advanced safety systems.

To oversee the project, the government has established Accra-Kumasi Expressway Limited, a subsidiary of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund, to manage design, financing, construction, and long-term operation under a concession arrangement of up to 50 years. Feasibility studies and detailed engineering designs are ongoing.

Other strategic undertakings include the completion of the Eastern Corridor Road by 2027, the transformation of the Accra–Tema Motorway into a four-lane expressway with service roads and interchanges, and upgrades to the Kumasi Inner Ring Road. Bridge infrastructure is also progressing, notably the Dambai Bridge across the River Oti and the Adawso Bridge over the River Afram.

To support road financing, President Mahama indicated that approval has been secured to reinstate tolls using digital technology to enhance accountability and minimise revenue losses, with implementation expected later this year.

The President also highlighted broader transport sector improvements. Government has acquired 300 buses for Intercity STC Coaches Limited, Metro Mass Transit Limited, and selected private operators, with the first 100 scheduled for delivery by the end of the first quarter.

“In aviation, passenger traffic handled by the Ghana Airports Company Limited rose to 3.625 million in 2025, up from 3.4 million the previous year. To manage congestion at Terminal 3, Terminal 2 at Kotoka International Airport will be remodelled into a dual domestic and international facility, supported by a new concourse, multi-storey car park, hotel facilities, and retail outlets. Runway expansion works are also underway,” he added.

Plans are also in motion to develop new regional airports in Sunyani, Bolgatanga, and Wa. Rail modernisation continues with efforts to operationalise the Tema–Pakadan line and upgrade both western and eastern corridors.

“At the ports, a 24-hour operational system has commenced at Tema Port to reduce congestion and improve trade efficiency. Cabinet has also reviewed feasibility studies for the proposed Keta Port project,” President Mahama noted.

He underscored that the integrated transport overhaul is central to national transformation, declaring that “the whole of Ghana is going to become a construction site” as infrastructure development accelerates across the country.

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Delivering the State of the Nation Address in Parliament, he said the job gains form part of broader economic reforms aimed at restoring stability and improving livelihoods.

The President noted that government policies — including the abolition of taxes such as the e-levy, betting tax, emission tax and COVID-19 levy — have returned about GH¢6 billion to citizens’ pockets.

He added that interest rates have dropped from over 30 per cent to between 18 and 20 per cent, improving access to credit for businesses and households.

President Mahama also revealed that about 950,000 Ghanaians escaped multidimensional poverty within the same period. He further stated that Ghana’s current account recorded a surplus of 9.1 billion cedis by December 2025.

He attributed the gains to strong performances in gold, cocoa and non-traditional exports, as well as increased remittance inflows, expressing optimism that sustained high gold prices could help build economic resilience against global shocks.

“Interest rates have fallen from above 30 per cent to currently between 18 and 20 per cent, freeing up credit for businesses and households. According to the Ghana Statistical Service, over one million Ghanaians have found employment between the first and third quarters of 2025, and 950,000 Ghanaians have escaped multidimensional poverty during the same period.

“I am pleased to report that our external position has strengthened significantly. By December 2025, our current account recorded a surplus of 9.1 billion cedis, representing 8.1 per cent of our GDP. This achievement has been driven by robust gold, cocoa and non-traditional exports, as well as increased remittance inflows. This improvement demonstrates that our economy is gaining strength and resilience on the global stage,” he said.

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