Former Minister for Roads and Highways, Francis Asenso-Boakye, has firmly denied assertions made by Roads and Highways Minister-designate, Kwame Governs Agbodza, regarding the total length of roads constructed by the Akufo-Addo administration.
Agbodza had alleged that only 673 kilometres of new roads were built during the eight-year tenure of the Akufo-Addo government.
Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, Asenso-Boakye accused Agbodza of misrepresenting the facts and emphasized that a total of 13,624 kilometres of roads were constructed between 2017 and 2025 under the Akufo-Addo administration.
“Honourable Speaker, let me put on record that as of December 2024, per the transition report, the Akufo-Addo government had constructed 13,624 kilometres of road. This figure is against the 4,630 kilometres of road constructed by the previous government in eight years,” he declared.
Asenso-Boakye described the road infrastructure achievements of the Akufo-Addo administration as unprecedented. He pointed out that the total figure included significant components beyond just new road construction, such as asphalt overlays, gravelling, reconstruction, and bridges, all of which contributed to enhancing Ghana’s road network.
He criticized Agbodza for focusing solely on the 673 kilometres of new roads, which he argued painted a misleading picture of the government’s overall performance. While acknowledging the importance of new road construction, Asenso-Boakye stressed that other critical components such as asphalt overlays and re-gravelling were equally vital to improving transportation infrastructure nationwide.
He cited specific examples of asphalt overlay projects in urban centres like Accra, Kumasi, Sunyani, and Takoradi, which significantly enhanced road quality and facilitated smoother transportation. These overlays, he noted, were a critical part of the government’s strategy to improve the country’s road infrastructure.
The Bantama MP also highlighted the extensive gravelling projects carried out during the administration. He noted that approximately 6,000 kilometres of gravel roads were completed under Akufo-Addo’s leadership. These projects, he explained, were particularly valuable in rural areas where improved road networks are essential for connecting communities and enhancing accessibility to basic services.
Asenso-Boakye further elaborated on the government’s achievements in road reconstruction and upgrades. He revealed that 1,665 kilometres of roads were reconstructed and upgraded, and 35 bridges were constructed across the nation during the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) tenure. These projects, he said, were key elements of the administration’s transformative infrastructure agenda.
“Many of us represent rural communities and understand the importance of gravelling in linking people and improving accessibility in these areas. These projects are crucial and cannot be dismissed simply because they are not new road constructions,” he stated.
He called on Parliament and the public to adopt a more comprehensive perspective on road infrastructure development. According to him, maintenance, upgrades, and other interventions are integral to building and sustaining a robust national road network. Dismissing such efforts, he argued, undermines the hard work and resources invested in transforming the country’s transportation infrastructure.
Asenso-Boakye’s remarks come amid heightened scrutiny of the road infrastructure achievements of the Akufo-Addo administration. While the government has received praise for its ambitious road projects, critics like Agbodza have sought to challenge its narrative, focusing on specific metrics such as new road construction.
By presenting detailed data and highlighting the broader scope of road infrastructure projects undertaken, Asenso-Boakye aimed to clarify misconceptions and defend the government’s record. He underscored that the achievements of the NPP administration far surpassed those of the previous government, particularly in terms of the total kilometres of roads constructed and the variety of interventions implemented.
The debate over the Akufo-Addo administration’s road infrastructure achievements reflects the broader political contestation over development records in Ghana. Both the NPP and opposition parties have sought to position themselves as champions of infrastructure development, often using competing narratives to sway public opinion.
Asenso-Boakye’s rebuttal highlights the importance of examining infrastructure achievements in their entirety rather than isolating specific components. His detailed account of asphalt overlays, gravelling, road reconstruction, and bridge construction underscores the multifaceted nature of road infrastructure development.
In his concluding remarks, Asenso-Boakye reiterated his call for a balanced assessment of the Akufo-Addo government’s achievements. He urged stakeholders to recognize the transformative impact of the administration’s road infrastructure agenda, which he described as a cornerstone of Ghana’s development efforts over the past eight years.
The debate over road construction figures is likely to continue as the Roads and Highways Ministry transitions to new leadership. With Kwame Governs Agbodza set to take over as Minister, his claims and subsequent policy direction will be closely watched. Meanwhile, Asenso-Boakye’s defense of the NPP administration’s record serves as a reminder of the political stakes involved in Ghana’s infrastructure development narrative.
For now, the achievements of the Akufo-Addo government, as outlined by Asenso-Boakye, stand as a testament to the administration’s commitment to enhancing Ghana’s road network. Whether through new road construction, asphalt overlays, gravelling, or bridge construction, the government’s efforts have undoubtedly made a significant impact on transportation and connectivity across the country. As the conversation on infrastructure development continues, it remains essential to consider the full scope of interventions and their contribution to national progress.
