Kasoa-Winneba Road Project on track for early completion - President assures commuters of relief soon

President John Dramani Mahama has assured commuters and residents along the Kasoa-Winneba corridor that their frustrations will soon be a thing of the past, as work on the major road project is progressing steadily.

He said the project was set for completion by the end of the year.

The President gave the assurance last Thursday when he inspected ongoing works on the Kasoa-Winneba Road, a key infrastructure project being undertaken under the government's Big Push initiative.

The President expressed optimism about returning to commission the road officially by year end or early next year, while stressing the need to scope the Winneba Junction-Swedru road to create alternative routes linking to the main Accra-Kumasi Road.

"We will all be looking forward to come here at the end of the year or early next year to officially commission this part of the road," President Mahama said.

Accompanied by the Minister of Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, and other officials, President Mahama expressed satisfaction with the quality and pace of work executed by the Ghanaian contractor handling the project.

“I have inspected the road, seen the progress of work, the quality of work, and I think that the contractor has done a good job,” President Mahama stated. 

“It reinforces our confidence in the capacity of Ghanaian contractors to be able to do world-class projects like any international contractor,” he added.

Relief for commuters

The President acknowledged the inconvenience commuters have endured, particularly recalling similar challenges on the Dawhenya-Afienya Road project, also under the Big Bush initiative.

“I can understand the frustration of commuters on this road. But like the Minister said, help is on the way,” he said.

The President highlighted the broader economic implications of the project, revealing that the dualisation of the Winneba to Mankesim road has been awarded to the same contractor, while the Mankesim to Cape Coast road contract has also been granted.

"This will open the road all the way to Mankesim," President Mahama said. "Commuters going towards the capital of the Central Region, Cape Coast, will have a very easy ride all the way to Cape Coast."

He emphasised that the Central Region's potential for investment and tourism has long been constrained by poor road networks.

"If we are able to meet the communities halfway and provide some of these facilities, they would also feel very much compensated for the construction of the road," he stated.

Contractor payment

The Roads Minister disclosed that the government had settled all outstanding payments to contractors under the Big Push initiative, distinguishing the current administration's approach from its predecessors.

"In the past, other presidents would have walked away from this project saying that they didn't start it," Mr Agbodza stated, adding: "You directed that no road project you inherited should be suspended."

He revealed that as of last month, the government had paid over GH¢12 billion to projects inherited from the previous administration.

"As we speak today, we don't owe any Big Push contractor a cedi," President Mahama affirmed.

"We have paid them for all the certificates they brought.

So, as you work and bring your certificates, we will keep paying you so that the projects can go at a faster pace," he explained.

Early completion

Mr Agbodza stated that although the contract period runs until March 2027, the government was working with the contractor to complete the project by December 31, this year, about three months ahead of schedule.

"Within the next three to four weeks, they will be able to open this middle concourse to enable the traffic going directly towards Cape Coast, Winneba or Mankesim not to have to use the side roads," the Roads and Highways Minister stated.