Weija-Gbawe MP demands urgent action on crumbling Kasoa-Cape Coast highway stretch

The Weija-Gbawe Member of Parliament has escalated concerns about the deteriorating condition of a critical section of the Kasoa-Cape Coast Highway, warning that worsening potholes are crippling commuter movement and potentially endangering public health access in the Greater Accra region.

In a formal letter to the Minister of Roads and Highways, Jerry Ahmed Shaib has called for immediate intervention on the Weija Junction-Mallam Overpass stretch, which serves as a vital transport corridor linking multiple communities across Accra and beyond. The MP's intervention comes as commuters report dramatic increases in travel time on a route that once took approximately three minutes but now consumes more than two hours due to road damage.

The scale of the crisis

The deterioration along this stretch affects far more than convenience. The highway connects densely populated areas including Weija-Gbawe, Kasoa, Winneba, Korle-Bu, Kaneshie, Odorkor and Dansoman—making it essential for thousands of daily commuters, traders and logistics operators who depend on reliable road access for their livelihoods.

Beyond commerce, the condition poses significant public health risks. Delays on this route directly impact access to major medical facilities, particularly Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital and Cocoa Clinic. In emergency healthcare scenarios, the extended travel time could literally mean the difference between timely treatment and serious medical complications. The MP has specifically flagged this concern in his appeal to the Minister, noting that patients requiring urgent care cannot afford the current congestion delays.

The extensive pothole damage creates additional road safety hazards for all vehicle users, increasing accident risks and vehicle damage costs for already-stressed commuters.

Why it matters for Ghana

Ghana's development depends on reliable infrastructure connecting our major cities and economic hubs. The Kasoa-Cape Coast corridor is part of the broader western transport network vital for regional commerce, tourism, and healthcare delivery. When such key stretches deteriorate, the knock-on effects ripple across multiple sectors—businesses face delivery delays, healthcare access is compromised, and residents waste productive hours in traffic rather than economic activity.

The Weija-Gbawe constituency itself is experiencing rapid population growth and urbanisation, making road quality increasingly critical. Poor road conditions also disproportionately affect lower-income commuters who rely on public transport and cannot afford alternative routes or time away from work.

A call for sustainable solutions

Notably, the MP has moved beyond simply requesting emergency repairs. Shaib is advocating for long-term infrastructure solutions, specifically proposing improved drainage systems and proper road resurfacing to address root causes rather than temporary fixes. This approach reflects growing recognition among legislators that Ghana's road network requires sustainable maintenance strategies, not just crisis interventions.

The Ghana Highway Authority and relevant agencies have been asked to conduct immediate inspections and commence repairs without delay. The MP has made clear that this matter requires urgent ministerial attention if the region's residents and commercial operators are to experience meaningful relief from the current situation.