Ofankor-Nsawam Road Project : President Mahama Calls for Faster Construction and Quality Materials
President John Dramani Mahama has issued a stern call to road contractors( MARIPOMA ENTERPRISE LIMITED) to accelerate construction timelines while maintaining high-quality standards during a project inspection of the critical actuary arterial road connecting Ghana’s two largest cities( Accra-Kumasi)
Speaking during the site visit today 3rd September, 2025 ,President Mahama expressed satisfaction with improved traffic flow but emphasized the need for better project management and quality control.
“I can see that drivers are happy now, and I hope that from now till when you finish the project, you maintain a smooth flow of traffic even as you’re working, so that you don’t impede the flow of traffic,” the President stated during his address to contractors.
Quality Materials Remain Major Concern:
The President highlighted persistent issues with construction quality that have plagued Ghana’s road infrastructure development.
“One of the major problems with road contractors in this country is the quality of material,” President Mahama emphasized. “And so you build the road, after a short while, the road starts to deteriorate.”
He challenged contractors to uphold higher standards, noting: “Your company is one of the well known road construction companies in Ghana. And so we hope that this will be a mark of the quality of your brand.”
Traffic Management and Site Responsibility
Addressing concerns about traffic disruptions during construction, the President stressed contractors’ responsibility for effective site management.
“Yes, we know you have work to do, but one of your duties [is] site management, to make sure that your work does not impede the flow of traffic. So you must make adequate arrangements so that even while you’re working, you are creating the conditions for traffic to flow,” he stated.
## Government’s Financial Commitment
President Mahama outlined the government’s substantial investment in road infrastructure through the “big push” program.
“This year, we have about 14 billion cedis, and next year, we have another 30 billion cedis. So I think that there will be sufficient resources to keep contractors going,” the President announced.
He linked government support to contractor performance, declaring: “So as government commits to pay you well, you too must commit to move faster on the road and also use quality materials.”
: Project Financing Concerns Addressed
The President also addressed financial management issues that have affected the project timeline.
“A loan was taken for this project, and I don’t understand why the loan, the money is finished, and the project is not over, and that we come and pay supplementary almost 78 million from government of Ghana funds,” he questioned, calling for better project estimation and financial planning.
However, officials confirmed that all outstanding contractor certificates have been fully settled, with the project now approximately 75% complete.
: Timeline and Expectations
With the project targeted for completion by the second quarter of next year, President Mahama emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum while ensuring quality delivery.
The actuary arterial road project is considered critical infrastructure due to its role in connecting Ghana’s major urban centers and handling heavy commuter traffic.
The President’s visit and remarks underscore the government’s commitment to improving national infrastructure while demanding accountability and excellence from contractors in both timeline adherence and construction quality.
