President Mahama Cuts Sod for Dualization of Cape Coast–Takoradi Road

President John Dramani Mahama has officially cut the sod for the dualization of the Cape Coast–Takoradi Road, marking another major milestone in Ghana’s drive to modernize its transport infrastructure and strengthen economic connectivity along the country’s western corridor.

The project, which forms part of the Accra–Takoradi highway (N1) and the Trans–West African Highway, will cover a total of 73.6 kilometres from Cape Coast to Takoradi. It will be divided into three lots to ensure faster completion, with three different contractors executing the works concurrently.

Speaking at the ceremony today October 21,2025, President Mahama described the project as “more than a road,” emphasizing that it represents a symbol of Ghana’s determination to rebuild and modernize its economy through infrastructure investment.

“This project is more than a road. It is a declaration of our shared resolve to rebuild Ghana’s infrastructure as a foundation for jobs, competitiveness, and national unity and cohesion,” the President said.

“It embodies the spirit of the Big Push infrastructure program and the 24-hour economy policy, both designed to modernize our transport systems, expand industrial access, and make Ghana work again—efficiently, around the clock.”

President Mahama explained that the Cape Coast–Takoradi dualization project has been strategically divided into three lots to accelerate delivery and ensure quality work.

“In the past, the entire stretch would have been awarded to one contractor and taken several years to complete,” he noted.

“Today, we have divided the 73.6 kilometres into three lots and assigned them to three capable contractors so that work can progress rapidly.”

The project, to be completed within 24 months, includes the construction of multiple interchanges, bridges, pedestrian crossings, service roads, LED lighting, and polymer-modified asphalt surfaces to ensure durability and safety. Each segment is designed for driving speeds of 80 to 100 kilometres per hour.

The President disclosed that the dualization project will create over 8,000 jobs—including 2,000 direct and 6,000 indirect employment opportunities—during construction. He urged contractors to prioritize local recruitment.

“If you have to hire labor, please look within the local communities and see if you can find the expertise you need,” President Mahama appealed.

He further stated that the project will reduce travel time between Cape Coast and Takoradi by 50%, improve road safety, and enhance access to the Takoradi Port, industrial enclaves, and tourism destinations in the Central and Western Regions.

President Mahama highlighted the significance of the dualization project within his administration’s broader agenda for a 24-hour economy—aimed at ensuring continuous productivity, job creation, and competitiveness.

“This project is a cornerstone of our 24-hour economy and our Reset Agenda,” he said.

“It will enable faster, safer, round-the-clock transport and logistics operations, reduce fuel consumption and vehicle maintenance costs, and strengthen connectivity to export processing zones and industrial corridors.”

The President urged contractors and government agencies to ensure environmental protection, proper drainage, and waste management during implementation, while promising fair compensation to affected residents.

“Government will honor all legitimate compensation claims associated with right-of-way acquisition,” he assured.

“We will not repeat the mistakes of the past where infrastructure came at the cost of our people’s livelihoods.”

He also commended the Minister of Roads and Highways, the Ghana Highway Authority, regional coordinating councils, and traditional leaders for their cooperation and professionalism in bringing the project to fruition.

Concluding his remarks, President Mahama described the Cape Coast–Takoradi dualization as a bridge between aspirations and achievements, and a testament to Ghana’s determination to rise again through strategic development.

“Today, as we cut the sod for this vital infrastructure, we are also breaking ground for a more connected, safer, and prosperous Ghana,” he declared.

“This road is a bridge not only between Cape Coast and Takoradi, but between our aspirations and our achievements—between promise and progress.”

He added that the next time the nation gathers at the site, “it will not be to cut the sod, but to commission the Cape Coast–Takoradi dual carriageway.”