The completion of the Ofankor-Nsawam road project has been significantly delayed due to ongoing legal battles, the Ministry of Roads and Highways has revealed.
The project, initially slated for completion in July 2024, now faces an indefinite postponement as court cases continue to stall construction efforts.
According to the Ministry’s Public Relations Officer, Nasir Ahmad Yartey, the delays stem from multiple legal disputes, primarily involving property owners contesting demolitions or seeking compensation.
These unresolved cases have restricted the contractor’s ability to proceed with key aspects of the project.
“The major challenge on that road [Ofankor-Nsawam] has to do with court issues,” Yartey stated.
“Last year, we had over 100 court cases related to the project. We have managed to resolve about 20, but currently, there are still around 80 cases pending between Amasaman and Nsawam. These legal hurdles prevent the contractor from accessing certain areas to continue work.”
He emphasized that the Ministry cannot bypass the legal process, stating, “We cannot take the law into our own hands. If a property owner is challenging a demolition in court, we have to wait for the legal process to be completed before proceeding.”
The Ofankor-Nsawam road expansion, valued at $350 million, is a key infrastructure project aimed at improving transportation on the Accra-Kumasi highway, one of Ghana’s busiest road networks.
The project is expected to ease traffic congestion, boost trade, and enhance commuter safety once completed.
However, residents and daily commuters have expressed frustration over the prolonged delays, citing worsening traffic conditions and economic disruptions.
Many are urging the government to expedite the resolution of the court cases to allow construction to resume without further setbacks.
For now, the fate of the Ofankor-Nsawam road project remains uncertain, with progress largely dependent on the outcomes of the ongoing legal battles.
