President John Dramani Mahama will today, Wednesday, September 3, 2025, visit the Ofankor road project site along the Accra–Nsawam highway as part of a working tour to assess the progress of ongoing construction works.
The project, which began in July 2022 under the Akufo-Addo administration, is aimed at easing the persistent traffic congestion on the busy corridor and improving the overall flow of transportation.
During the visit, engineers are expected to brief the President on the current state of works, challenges encountered, and updated timelines for completion.
A History of Delays
The Ofankor road project was originally scheduled for completion in July 2024. However, the deadline has been revised multiple times, drawing criticism from commuters, drivers, and residents who continue to endure heavy traffic and pollution as a result of the prolonged works.
• First Extension: As the July 2024 deadline approached, contractors requested an additional 11 months, shifting the expected completion date to mid-2025.
• Second Revision: In early 2025, following a four-month suspension of works due to financial constraints, engineers projected a further nine-month delay.
• Latest Update: By May 2025, the revised deadline of May 21 was also missed, with authorities citing compensation disputes and utility relocation challenges. The project has since been delayed by about 15 months beyond the initial target.
Factors Behind the Delays
Several obstacles have slowed down progress on the project:
• Legal disputes: Over 80 court cases remain unresolved, blocking right-of-way access and complicating demolitions.
• Compensation issues: Out of 328 affected structures, only 76 owners have been deemed eligible for compensation. As of May 2025, just 40 had received payments, sparking protests and lawsuits.
• Utility relocation: Key agencies, including the Electricity Company of Ghana and Ghana Water Limited, have yet to complete the relocation of power and water lines obstructing the construction.
• Funding challenges: Work has repeatedly stalled due to unpaid compensations and insufficient funds, with resumption in April 2025 following months of stagnation.
Despite these setbacks, the project remains a priority for government due to its strategic importance in addressing the severe traffic bottlenecks along the Accra–Nsawam stretch.
