The Ministry of Roads and Highways has reported that delays in completing the Ofankor-Nsawam road project are due to ongoing court cases that have hindered construction efforts. The project, originally scheduled for completion in July 2024, is now facing an indefinite postponement because of unresolved legal disputes that have significantly impeded progress.
During an appearance on the Citi Breakfast Show on Monday, Nasir Ahmad Yartey, the Public Relations Officer for the Ministry, explained that legal constraints have hindered the contractor’s progress on key aspects of construction. He noted that work has been delayed until the court cases are resolved. Yartey further mentioned that many of the disputes involve property owners contesting demolitions or seeking compensation, which has prolonged the legal impasse and stalled the project.
“The major challenge on that road [Ofankor-Nsawam] has to do with court issues. Somewhere last year, we had over 100 court cases that had to do with the project and we have been able to clear about 20 of them as I speak to you, between Amasaman and Nsawam, there are about 80 of them and these court cases does not allow the contractor the right of way to work.
“We cannot take the law into our own hands if we need to demolish a particular property and the owner is litigating it in court, there is little you can do.” The $350 million Ofankor-Nsawam road project is a crucial infrastructure development aimed at improving transportation along the Accra-Kumasi highway, one of the busiest road networks in Ghana.
The expansion and rehabilitation of the road are expected to ease traffic congestion, enhance trade and commerce, and provide safer and more efficient transportation for commuters. Several residents and commuters who rely on the road daily have expressed their frustration over the delays, citing the worsening traffic situation and the associated economic and social inconveniences. Many have called on the government to expedite the resolution of the court cases so that construction can resume fully.
By: Kabah Atawoge