The Minister of Roads and Highways, Francis Asenso-Boakye, has underscored the critical role that road infrastructure plays in reducing poverty and improving economic opportunities in Ghana.
Delivering a keynote address at the 2024 International Federation of Consulting Engineers – FIDIC Global Infrastructure Conference in Geneva, Switzerland yesterday , the Minister highlighted how strategic investments by the President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo government in road networks have not only enhanced connectivity, but also, transformed the lives of Ghanaians, particularly in rural communities.
Speaking on the theme, “Transforming lives with infrastructure – Investing in and building a better world for all,” Mr Asenso-Boakye emphasised that the Ghanaian government’s sustained investment in road infrastructure was a driving force for national development.
He added that in 2024 alone, the government had programmed to expend approximately 18 per cent of the national budget, from Government of Ghana revenue, solely on road infrastructure, the biggest in any sector of the economy.
“Road infrastructure is the backbone of our economy and national development. Over the past seven years, Ghana has seen a significant improvement in road density, now surpassing the regional average for Africa,” Asenso-Boakye stated.
He stated that Ghana’s road network density stands at 32.8 kilometres per 100 square kilometres, nearly double the African average, while rural accessibility has improved to 63 percent, a significant leap from the regional average of 47 percent.
The Minister also stressed the importance of partnerships in realising Ghana’s infrastructure ambitions, citing collaborations with international organisations such as the World Bank and the African Development Bank, as well as the private sector. “Achieving our infrastructure goals requires strong collaboration, shared expertise, and innovative solutions,” he said.
While acknowledging the crucial role of Ghanaian engineers and construction professionals in transforming these ambitious plans into reality, MrAsenso-Boakyeemphasised the government’s focus on up-skilling the country’s workforce through Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education initiatives to ensure a steady pipeline of talent to drive infrastructure projects.
The FIDIC Global Infrastructure Conference is an annual event that brings together industry leaders, experts, and policymakers in the field of consulting engineering to discuss the future of infrastructure and its role in improving lives around the world.
Ghana’s road infrastructure advancements and their impact on poverty reduction were spotlighted as an exemplary model for how strategic investments can drive long-term development.
BY TIMES REPORTER
