President John Dramani Mahama has officially launched the Takoradi–Cape Coast Highway dualization project, marking a major step in the government’s ambitious Big Push Agenda, a $2 billion annual investment plan aimed at revitalising Ghana’s infrastructure over the next five years.
The project, which covers 73.6 kilometres and is divided into three lots for three contractors, is expected to be completed within 24 months. When finished, it will feature multiple interchanges, bridges, pedestrian crossings, rest stops, and an axle-weight station, transforming one of the busiest road corridors in southern Ghana into a modern dual carriageway.
Speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony at Assorku Essaman in the Shama District of the Western Region, President Mahama described the initiative as a symbol of collective national renewal and a cornerstone of his administration’s economic recovery strategy.
“This project is not just about asphalt and concrete; it’s about connecting people, improving commerce, and making Ghana work again,” he said.
The President said the dualisation of the highway would reduce travel time between Takoradi and Accra by about 50 percent, cutting down congestion and improving logistics for industries and traders operating along the Western and Central corridors.
He underscored the project’s importance to the nation’s economic growth, especially given the Western Region’s role as a major industrial hub for oil, gas, and port operations.
“The Takoradi–Cape Coast dualisation is a legacy of collective effort and shared responsibility — a foundation for rebuilding Ghana’s economy through modern infrastructure,” he added.
To ensure the longevity of the road, President Mahama announced that government would enforce strict axle-load regulations, cautioning transport operators against overloading trucks.
“We cannot spend so much money to improve our roads only for them to be destroyed through indiscipline and neglect. Enforcement will be firm and consistent,” he warned.
Under the Big Push Initiative, government plans to invest $2 billion annually for five years in major sectors including roads, healthcare, agriculture, and industrial development. The Takoradi–Cape Coast dualisation, he noted, was one of several strategic projects intended to stimulate local economies, create jobs, and enhance national competitiveness.
President Mahama urged contractors to adhere to environmental and safety standards, engage local labour, and ensure that the project is completed on schedule.
“This road must serve as a model for quality, efficiency, and environmental sustainability,” he said.
The launch of the Takoradi–Cape Coast dualisation marks the beginning of a new wave of infrastructure development aimed at boosting connectivity and trade, positioning Ghana as a modern transport and industrial hub in the sub-region.
