- Court cases delay Ofankor-Nsawam road project completion
- Over 80 court cases still pending, slowing contractor's progress
- Project faces indefinite postponement, frustrating residents and commuters
The Ministry of Roads and Highways has attributed the delay in the completion of the Ofankor-Nsawam road project to ongoing court cases, which have led to an indefinite postponement of the project. Initially scheduled for completion in July 2024, the project has faced significant setbacks due to unresolved legal disputes.
In an interview with Citi FM, the Ministry’s Public Relations Officer, Nasir Ahmad Yartey, revealed that the court cases have substantially hindered the contractor’s progress, particularly in critical areas of the road. The ongoing legal issues have effectively prevented work from advancing on these sections until the disputes are resolved.
Many of these disputes involve property owners contesting demolitions or seeking compensation, which has resulted in a prolonged legal standoff. Yartey noted that over 100 court cases were filed in relation to the project last year alone, with approximately 80 cases still pending between Amasaman and Nsawam.
“The major challenge on the Ofankor-Nsawam road project is related to court cases. While we have cleared around 20 cases, about 80 still remain unresolved, which means the contractor cannot proceed with construction in some areas,” Yartey explained. “We cannot take the law into our own hands, especially when property owners are litigating demolitions in court. There is little we can do until those matters are settled.”
The $350 million road project is crucial for improving the Accra-Kumasi highway, one of Ghana’s busiest road networks. Its expansion and rehabilitation aim to reduce traffic congestion, enhance trade, and improve commuter safety.
However, residents and commuters who depend on the road have expressed growing frustration over the delays. Many are concerned about worsening traffic conditions and the negative economic and social consequences of the ongoing construction. Local citizens have called on the government to expedite the resolution of the court cases so work can resume promptly.
