Work has finally resumed on the long-abandoned Pokuase–Nsawam stretch of the Accra–Kumasi highway, bringing a sigh of relief to frustrated commuters a
Work has finally resumed on the long-abandoned Pokuase–Nsawam stretch of the Accra–Kumasi highway, bringing a sigh of relief to frustrated commuters and transport operators who have endured months of suffering on the busy corridor.
According to the contractor, Maripoma Enterprise Limited (MEL), workers officially returned to site on Thursday, August 14, and have since been working daily, including weekends, to recover lost time.
“We are on site, since Thursday. Even on Sunday we are working,” a company representative confirmed to The Daily Gist on Sunday.
Background to the Project
The Pokuase–Nsawam road project began during the administration of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as part of a broader initiative to dualize and expand the Accra–Kumasi highway.
The project was expected to ease traffic congestion, improve road safety, and cut down travel time between Accra and Nsawam to under 40 minutes ass well Accra to Kumasi.
However, progress stalled earlier this year after the change of government in January 2025.
The contractor reportedly abandoned the site, citing non-payment of an outstanding amount of $78 million by the new administration.
According to reports, the government recently released substantial amout to the company, but payment disputes and court litigations led to the suspension of works.
GPRTU’s Threat of Strike Action
The return of contractors comes against the backdrop of mounting pressure from transport operators. On Saturday, August 16, the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) warned that its members would embark on a nationwide sit-down strike if work did not resume immediately.
The Union’s Deputy PRO, Samuel Amoah, said drivers had lost patience with repeated government assurances.
“The only thing that will make us change our mind is to see the contractors going back to the road. That is the only thing. When we approached Honourable Agbodza, he gave us six weeks. The monies have been released. The question is, what changed?” he asked.
The union had earlier issued a one-week ultimatum to the government, set to expire on Wednesday, August 20.
The planned strike, described as a “sit-down” action rather than a street protest, would have crippled commercial transport services nationwide.
The Road’s Dire Condition
The Pokuase–Nsawam stretch is a crucial link between Accra and the Eastern, Ashanti, and northern regions.
Months of neglect left it riddled with deep potholes, flooding, and dangerous sections that commuters described as “death traps.”
Drivers have long complained about soaring maintenance costs and frequent breakdowns.
“Every week I spend money changing shock absorbers and tyres. The road is killing our business,” one driver lamented. Residents have also staged multiple protests in recent months, accusing successive governments of abandoning the road while focusing on new projects.
Government’s Balancing Act
The Mahama administration recently announced plans to construct a brand-new six-lane Accra–Kumasi expressway, diverting attention from the rehabilitation of the existing Ofankor–Nsawam stretch.
While Roads and Highways Minister Governs Kwame Agbodza assured the public that ongoing payments to contractors would revive the abandoned project, visible progress had remained absent until last week’s return to site.
A Test of Credibility
For many commuters, the resumption of work is a welcome development but also a test of the government’s commitment to infrastructure delivery.
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