Ghana’s road maintenance financing gap has worsened significantly, with available funding covering only 37% of the country’s estimated road maintenance needs in 2024, down from 45% recorded between 2018 and 2021, according to the World Bank.
The development is raising concerns over the sustainability of Ghana’s road infrastructure, as inadequate funding continues to contribute to the deterioration of roads and threatens the economic benefits of major investments in the transport sector.
In its latest report, Ghana Economic Update: Reset for Growth – Sustaining Macroeconomic Recovery and Unlocking Transport for Transformation, the World Bank identified inadequate road maintenance financing as a major structural challenge facing Ghana’s transport infrastructure.
Ghana Needs $685 Million Annually for Road Maintenance
The World Bank estimates that Ghana’s trunk road network, which has an approximate replacement value of US$10 billion, requires about US$685 million every year for proper maintenance.
This amount is equivalent to approximately 0.83% of Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
However, available financial resources have consistently fallen far short of the amount required to maintain the country’s road network, resulting in a persistent road infrastructure funding gap.
The World Bank said the implementation of the Earmarked Funds Capping and Realignment Act contributed to the reduction in the proportion of road maintenance requirements financed by available resources, with coverage falling to just 37% in 2024.
Road Fund Revenues Fall Short of Maintenance Needs
The financing crisis has also been linked to challenges surrounding the flow and utilisation of Road Fund resources.
Between 2016 and 2020, only 58% of accrued road user charge revenues were transferred to approved road maintenance budgets, while the remaining funds were redirected to other areas of the national budget.
Similarly, between 2018 and 2021, Road Fund revenues covered only 45% of actual road maintenance requirements, significantly below the government’s target of 65%.
The World Bank further disclosed that the government released only 50% to 60% of appropriated Road Fund allocations in 2022 and 2023.
By the end of 2024, accumulated road maintenance arrears had reached GH¢5.75 billion, further highlighting the financial pressures affecting Ghana’s road sector.
Poor Road Maintenance Could Increase Rehabilitation Costs
The World Bank has warned that delaying routine and preventive road maintenance could significantly increase the cost of preserving Ghana’s road infrastructure.
According to the report, rehabilitating roads after they deteriorate into poor condition can cost between five and seven times more than carrying out preventive maintenance at the appropriate time.
This means continued underfunding of road maintenance could ultimately place a heavier financial burden on government and taxpayers while reducing the lifespan of existing road infrastructure.
Only 47% of Ghana’s Roads in Good Condition
The impact of inadequate road maintenance is already visible across the country.
As of the end of 2025, Ghana’s approximately 94,000-kilometre road network was estimated to have only 47% of roads in good condition.
About 32% of roads were classified as being in fair condition, while 21% were considered to be in poor condition.
The situation is particularly concerning for trunk roads. The World Bank noted that only 35% of trunk roads were in good condition.
Under an earlier assessment, approximately 64% of urban roads and 65% of feeder roads were rated either fair or poor.
The road condition figures also fell below the government’s 2021–2025 target of having 60% of Ghana’s roads in good condition.
Poor Roads Affect Agriculture and Economic Growth
The road maintenance financing challenge goes beyond transportation and infrastructure concerns, with potential consequences for economic growth, agricultural development, market access and household incomes.
The World Bank said inadequate road maintenance disproportionately affects poorer regions by limiting access to markets and increasing transportation difficulties.
Poor road conditions can also contribute to higher farm-gate prices, particularly during the rainy season when deteriorated roads become more difficult to navigate.
Feeder roads are especially important to rural and agricultural communities because they provide vital connections between farms, production centres and markets.
However, the World Bank reported that the average achievement for routine feeder-road maintenance has been only 45%, compared with a government target of 65%.
Road Maintenance Shortfall Threatens Infrastructure Investments
The World Bank also warned that inadequate maintenance could reduce the economic returns expected from investments in Ghana’s transport infrastructure.
The report cited Ghana’s Second Transport Rehabilitation Project as an example, noting that its economic rate of return declined from 38% at appraisal to 16% at completion.
Inadequate road maintenance was identified as one of the major factors contributing to the decline.
The findings underline the importance of sustainable road maintenance financing, effective Road Fund management and timely infrastructure investment to protect Ghana’s road network and maximise the economic benefits of transport projects.
The World Bank’s assessment highlights the need for Ghana to address its long-standing road financing challenges, improve the flow of maintenance resources and prioritise preventive maintenance before roads deteriorate to the point where costly rehabilitation becomes necessary.
Source: newsthemegh.com