Major Western Region Highway Set for November Opening as Contractor Accelerates Works

Ghana's critical Takoradi–Agona Nkwanta highway project is moving into its final phase, with the contractor confident of opening the 23-kilometre dual carriageway to traffic by November 2026. The acceleration marks a significant turnaround for a project that had stalled for nearly two years due to funding constraints.

During a Wednesday inspection in mid-September, Roads and Highways Minister Governs Kwame Agbodza met with Justmoh Construction Limited's Managing Director Dr Justice Amoh to assess progress. The contractor has injected additional resources to complete the work four months before the original contractual deadline of March 19, 2027.

Project Scope and Current Status

The rehabilitation and dualisation project transforms an existing single carriageway into a modern dual carriageway, a critical upgrade for the Western Region's transport infrastructure. The scope includes construction of four major concrete bridges, with particularly significant dual-carriageway structures planned at Apremdo and Ewusiejoe.

According to Dr Amoh, remaining work focuses on finalising road protection systems, installing guardrails, and applying road markings. Materials for these final stages have already been cleared from the port, positioning the project for rapid completion.

Breaking Through the Funding Bottleneck

The project's acceleration directly follows government action. After prolonged delays caused by payment difficulties, the government released $78 million in outstanding payments to the contractor, unlocking the resources needed to resume and expedite work. This financial breakthrough demonstrates the government's commitment to clearing infrastructure backlogs that had accumulated during cash flow challenges.

Why It Matters for Ghana

The Takoradi–Agona Nkwanta corridor is vital to Ghana's Western Region economy. Takoradi, home to Ghana's main seaport and major industrial zones, connects through this route to Agona Junction and onwards to the Central Region. Improved road quality and reduced travel times will lower logistics costs for businesses, support faster movement of port cargo, and enhance safety for commuters and traders who depend on this route daily.

The dual carriageway upgrade will particularly benefit the fishing industry, agricultural trade, and manufacturing sectors operating in the Western and Central Regions. For ordinary Ghanaians, the project promises fewer accidents, reduced journey times, and better road conditions—practical improvements that compound economic benefits.

However, Dr Amoh raised a critical concern: axle-load violations. Excessive vehicle loading threatens the durability of newly constructed roads, potentially shortening their lifespan and necessitating early repairs. He appealed to authorities to enforce weight regulations strictly to protect the government's investment.

The project's successful delivery by November would represent a significant achievement in Ghana's infrastructure modernisation effort, particularly given the historical delays. It also signals that government commitment to clearing payment arrears can unlock stalled projects nationwide—a lesson relevant to other infrastructure initiatives facing similar constraints.