Ghana transport infrastructure and maintenance challenges

The World Bank has highlighted significant economic and structural challenges regarding Ghana’s transport infrastructure. Reports indicate that poor road conditions, congestion, and accidents result in an annual economic loss of approximately $4.55 billion, which accounts for about 2.1% of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Data shows that only 27% of Ghana’s 94,200-kilometer road network is paved, with over half of those roads in fair-to-poor condition. Furthermore, the country’s rail network has seen a substantial decline, shrinking from 947 kilometers in 1960 to roughly 160 kilometers by 2020.

A critical factor in the deteriorating infrastructure is a growing funding gap for road maintenance. In 2024, Ghana met only 37% of its estimated maintenance needs, a decrease from the 45% coverage seen between 2018 and 2021. While the trunk road network requires an estimated $685 million annually for upkeep, available funding in 2024 fell below $255 million.

The World Bank attributed these shortfalls to structural issues, including inadequate allocation, leaky transfers, and the impact of the Earmarked Funds Capping and Realignment Act. By the end of 2024, accumulated arrears reached GH¢5.75 billion.