On Thursday, July 24, 2025, while presenting the Mid‑Year Budget to Parliament, Ghana’s Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, gave a clear and ambitious assurance to the nation. According to him, the government is determined to complete and commission all priority infrastructure and social projects by the end of 2028. This pledge comes at a time when the country is working closely with its development partners, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Official Creditor Committee (OCC), to ensure that ongoing projects receive the necessary financial support.
Dr. Ato Forson explained that the main criterion for selecting these projects was how close they were to completion. This strategy is meant to ensure that resources are channeled into initiatives that can be delivered within a short time frame, rather than spreading limited funds thinly across too many new projects.
The Minister also revealed that, as part of Ghana’s economic restructuring, there is an agreement under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the OCC which requires the government to submit a priority list of projects. This is to align with a US$250 million annual disbursement ceiling that Ghana is entitled to receive for project financing. After extensive consultations and negotiations, Ghana has submitted a list of 24 priority projects to the OCC and the IMF. Once the bilateral agreements with individual creditor countries are signed, funds will start flowing again to complete these projects.
Below is a breakdown of the 24 projects with explanations of their significance and expected impact.
1. New Bridge Across the Volta River at Volivo
This bridge is intended to ease pressure on the Adomi Bridge by providing another major crossing over the Volta River. It will significantly reduce travel time between the Eastern Corridor and southern Ghana, boosting trade and regional integration.
2. Construction of the Tema–Aflao Road Project (Phase 1)
The Tema–Aflao stretch is a critical international highway linking Ghana to Togo and other parts of West Africa. Upgrading it will improve road safety, cut down on transportation costs, and strengthen the country’s position as a transit hub.
3. Tema Motorway Roundabout through Ashaiman Roundabout to Atimpoku
This project involves road network improvements and interchange development to reduce traffic congestion at one of Ghana’s busiest junctions. It will benefit commuters from Tema, Ashaiman, and motorists heading toward the Eastern Region.
4. Construction of 14 Pedestrian Bridges
To reduce pedestrian fatalities on major highways, the government will construct 14 footbridges in accident-prone areas. These will improve road safety and ease the flow of traffic.
5. Kumasi Roads and Drainage Extension
As Ghana’s second-largest city, Kumasi struggles with traffic congestion and flooding. This project will expand key road networks and improve drainage systems, reducing perennial floods and improving urban mobility.
6. Paa Grant Interchange and Sekondi/Takoradi Township Roads – Phase 1
This project will modernize transportation within Sekondi-Takoradi, the heart of Ghana’s Western Region. The interchange will ease traffic around the Paa Grant area and open up the city for more commercial growth.
7. Rehabilitation of Dome–Kitase Road
The Dome-Kitase Road links Greater Accra to the Eastern Region. Rehabilitation will promote trade, ease travel for commuters, and reduce vehicle maintenance costs.
8. Obetsebi Lamptey Interchange – Phase 2
Phase 1 of this interchange has already reduced traffic at a major Accra junction. Phase 2 will complete the project, further decongesting the city’s road network and improving access to central Accra.
9. Bolgatanga–Bawku–Pulimakom Road
This road is critical for connecting the Upper East Region to neighboring Burkina Faso. Improved access will promote cross-border trade and open up the region for economic development.
10. PTC Roundabout Interchange Project at Takoradi
This interchange will resolve long-standing traffic bottlenecks in Takoradi, improve transportation for oil and gas logistics, and make the city more investor-friendly.
11. Construction of Drinking Water Facilities in Wenchi
Access to safe drinking water is a basic need. This project will expand water supply in Wenchi and surrounding communities, improving health outcomes and supporting agriculture.
12. Sekondi–Takoradi Water Supply
With rapid urbanization, Takoradi’s population needs more reliable water supply. This project will increase capacity, reduce shortages, and support industrial and domestic use.
13. Modernization of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital
Komfo Anokye in Kumasi is one of Ghana’s premier health institutions. Modernization will include new facilities, better equipment, and expanded services, benefiting patients from across the country.
14. Construction of Central Medical Stores in Tema
The Central Medical Stores supply medicines and equipment nationwide. A new, modern facility in Tema will enhance distribution efficiency, reduce wastage, and ensure timely delivery of medical supplies.
15. Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital in Takoradi
Upgrading this hospital will improve healthcare in the Western Region, providing advanced treatments locally and reducing referrals to Accra.
16. Bolgatanga Regional Hospital
Similarly, expanding the Bolgatanga hospital will ensure that residents of the Upper East Region can access specialized healthcare without traveling long distances.
17. Establishment of the University of Environment and Sustainable Development at Bunso
This university will be a center for research and training in sustainability, agriculture, and environmental science, equipping students with skills to tackle climate and environmental challenges.
18. Establishment of 9 State-of-the-Art TVET Centres
Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is key to job creation. Nine new modern centers will train youth in practical skills, from engineering to hospitality, boosting employability.
19. Integrated E-Learning Laboratories in Senior High Schools
To embrace digital learning, this project will provide SHSs with ICT labs and e-learning tools, enhancing teaching and preparing students for a tech-driven future.
20. Expansion and Development of Existing Senior High Schools
To address overcrowding in schools, existing facilities will be expanded. More classrooms, dormitories, and labs will support the government’s Free SHS policy and improve learning conditions.
21. Renewable Energy Programme: Pilot Photovoltaic System
This initiative will introduce solar power in selected areas, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and cutting energy costs.
22. Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Programme
Beyond solar, this broader programme will promote energy-efficient technologies and diversify Ghana’s energy mix, contributing to climate goals and energy security.
23. Construction of the Takoradi Market
Takoradi’s central market is due for redevelopment. A new modern market will create better trading conditions, attract more business, and improve sanitation and safety.
24. Kumasi Central Market Phase 2
Following the successful first phase, this second phase will complete the transformation of Kumasi’s bustling market into a modern facility with better infrastructure and services.
Strategic Importance of the Projects
Dr. Ato Forson emphasized that completing these projects is not just about infrastructure; it is about boosting economic growth, creating jobs, and improving living standards. With limited resources and tight fiscal space, focusing on near-completion projects ensures that citizens begin to enjoy benefits sooner rather than later.
These projects cut across transportation, healthcare, education, water supply, energy, and urban development, reflecting a balanced approach to national development. For instance:
• Roads and interchanges will ease congestion, cut travel time, and open up new economic corridors.
• Healthcare upgrades will ensure equitable access to quality medical services.
• Educational investments will equip young people with the skills and knowledge needed for Ghana’s future.
• Energy and water projects will strengthen the foundation for industrialization and improve quality of life.
Conclusion
The government’s decision to prioritize these 24 projects and commit to completing them by 2028 shows a clear shift towards strategic, result-oriented planning. Instead of spreading resources thinly, Ghana is focusing on delivering tangible benefits to its people. With proper financing, effective supervision, and continuous stakeholder engagement, these initiatives could significantly transform infrastructure, services, and opportunities across the nation.
Dr. Ato Forson’s announcement signals hope and a renewed focus on practical development goals, ensuring that by the end of 2028, Ghanaians will witness the commissioning of projects that have been long-awaited and much needed.
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