Kasoa: President John Dramani Mahama has inspected the ongoing dualisation of the 30-kilometer Kasoa-Winneba Road in the Central Region.
According to Ghana News Agency, the project is being executed by Nag Fairmount Company Limited and is expected to be completed by the end of this year or by the first quarter of 2027. The dualisation includes asphaltic surfacing, pedestrian footbridges, underpasses, and a flyover aimed at improving safety and mobility.
During a media briefing following the inspection, President Mahama expressed satisfaction with the progress and quality of work. He praised the contractor's efforts, highlighting the capability of Ghanaian contractors to deliver projects comparable to international standards. The President emphasized the goal of opening the entire stretch from Kasoa to Winneba by the end of the year or early next year.
President Mahama reflected on the impact of the Kasoa overpass constructed during his first term, which alleviated traffic bottlenecks at the toll booth and through Kasoa township. He noted that the new project aims to eliminate the subsequent bottleneck at Budumburam and extend the improved road network to Winneba.
The President announced that the dualisation would extend further from Winneba to Mankesim, contracted to the same company, and eventually to Cape Coast. This development promises a smoother journey for commuters heading to Cape Coast, enhancing the region's appeal for tourism and investment.
President Mahama expressed optimism that the contractor would open the middle concourse of the Kasoa-Winneba Road within the next few weeks, facilitating direct travel to Cape Coast, Winneba, and Mankesim, without resorting to side roads.
Highlighting the region's potential for investment in tourism, President Mahama remarked on the challenges posed by the current road network. He drew parallels with the Tema-Dawa corridor, which attracts industries and investments due to improved infrastructure. The President highlighted that the dualisation project would encourage investors to establish factories along this corridor, creating local employment opportunities.
President Mahama acknowledged that his administration inherited the Kasoa-Winneba Road dualisation from the previous administration, which had stalled due to financial constraints. Under the Big Push infrastructure investment programme, funds were allocated to expedite the project. The President assured contractors of timely payments, emphasizing the project's importance for faster completion.
The President and stakeholders anticipate returning by the end of the year or early 2027 to officially commission the road. He also suggested extending the road improvements to the Winneba-Junction-Swedru Road, creating alternative routes for commuters.
Mr. Kwami Governs Agbodza, Minister of Roads and Highways, accompanied President Mahama and affirmed that all contractors under the Big Push programme had been compensated. He assured contractors of the government's commitment to settling dues promptly, reinforcing trust in the Big Push initiative.