During a working tour to inspect ongoing road projects in the Central Region, Mr. Francis Asenso-Boakye, the Minister of Roads and Highways, announced that significant portions of the Kasoa-Winneba double-lane road will be opened to the public within the next eight months. This development is part of an effort to convert the current single-lane into a dual carriageway to mitigate traffic congestion and reduce accidents on one of the nation's most dangerous roads.
Accompanied by a delegation that included officials from the Department of Highways, Urban Roads, and Feeder Roads, along with Members of Parliament and various local government chiefs, the Minister expressed satisfaction with the quality of work performed by contractors Nag Fairmount Company Limited and MM Delivery Company Limited. The project, which is scheduled for completion in 36 months, is financed by the Government with an investment of $85,328,761. It includes significant infrastructural upgrades such as the construction of interchanges and flyovers at critical junctions like Sapato, Akoti, Budumburam Awutu, and Winneba.
The road expansion is set to enhance connectivity between Accra, Winneba, Cape Coast, and the Western Region, significantly benefiting sectors such as tourism, education, and commerce. Service lanes will also be added at all entry points to the main road, facilitating easier passenger pick-up and drop-off for commercial vehicles.
Despite the progress, contractors highlighted ongoing challenges such as unsafe pedestrian crossings, the road's low capacity, and the high risk of head-on collisions, which the project aims to address.
In addition to the Kasoa-Winneba road, the Minister also reviewed progress on other regional projects including the 14 km Kasoa-Bawjiase road, which is 62% complete and expected to be finished by September 2024. This road, valued at GHC 95,945,753.56, is crucial for connecting Kasoa to the Awutu Senya West District.
Mr. Asenso-Boakye's tour also included inspections of the Ojobi-Senya-Bereku road and the Assin Manso – Eshiem-Ajumako road, all part of the government's commitment to enhancing the transportation infrastructure in the region. This commitment comes in the wake of frustrations expressed by stakeholders in December 2023 about approximately 100 road projects that were abandoned due to funding issues.
Local residents have expressed gratitude towards the government for its focus on improving road safety and reducing travel times. “We thank the Government for dualising the Winneba-Kasoa roads. It will ease traffic and reduce travel time along the stretch,” said a resident at Akoti Junction. The community eagerly anticipates the completion of these projects, which promise to bring significant benefits to the region.
