Introduction

Ghana’s highway infrastructure faces systemic challenges that threaten economic growth and public safety. Dr. Asah Asante, a political scientist and senior lecturer at the University of Ghana, recently emphasized that resolving these issues requires addressing two critical barriers: weak state capacity and deep-rooted corruption. In an exclusive interview on the AM Show, Dr. Asante argued that the government’s inability to mobilize domestic resources and pervasive graft have created a cycle of delayed projects, inflated costs, and deteriorating road networks.

This article explores Dr. Asante’s analysis, evaluates the current state of Ghana’s road sector, and provides actionable strategies for sustainable infrastructure development. We examine Ghana highway infrastructure challenges, the role of fiscal management, and anti-corruption frameworks, offering a roadmap for long-term improvement.

Analysis

Weak State Capacity and Revenue Mobilization

Dr. Asante identifies state capacity as a foundational issue. “The state lacks the ability to raise revenue to fund its own affairs,” he explained. This deficiency leads to irregular contract awards without guaranteed funding sources, creating financial instability. Key manifestations include:

• Delayed payments to contractors (currently over GH¢40 million).
• Reliance on external borrowing for infrastructure projects.
• Inconsistent budgeting and planning cycles.

Without robust domestic revenue streams, Ghana remains vulnerable to external market fluctuations and unsustainable debt accumulation.

Corruption and Its Impact on Infrastructure Quality

Corruption exacerbates infrastructure weaknesses. Dr. Asante alleges that political actors extract “certain percentages” from contractor funds, directly compromising construction quality and oversight. Consequences include:

• Rapid degradation of roads requiring frequent repairs.
• Substandard materials and lax enforcement of standards.
• Erosion of public trust in government projects.

He contrasted modern roads—many of which “go to pot within a short period”—with the Tema Motorway, built in the 1950s under Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, which remains structurally sound decades later.

Dependence on External Models and Poor Planning

Ghana’s overreliance on foreign financing models reflects poor strategic planning. Dr. Asante criticizes this approach for several reasons:

• Increased exposure to delays and cost overruns.
• Abandoned projects due to funding shortfalls.
• Limited alignment with local economic priorities.

Projects financed through external debt often prioritize lender requirements over sustainable development goals, leading to inefficient resource allocation.

Summary

Dr. Asante’s assessment underscores that Ghana’s highway sector suffers from a dual crisis: inadequate state capacity to mobilize resources and systemic corruption that undermines project integrity. The resultant outcomes—mounting debts, low-quality infrastructure, and chronic delays—hinder economic progress and public welfare. Addressing these challenges demands structural reforms focused on fiscal responsibility, transparency, and local capacity building.

Key Points

Practical Advice

Strengthening Domestic Revenue Mobilization

Government should prioritize reforms to enhance revenue collection and allocation:

• Expand the tax net and reduce informal sector exemptions.
• Implement digital tax administration for real-time monitoring.
• Allocate a fixed percentage of annual budgets to infrastructure maintenance.

Combatting Corruption in Infrastructure Projects

Anti-corruption measures must be institutionalized:

• Establish independent audit bodies for all infrastructure contracts.
• Introduce whistleblower protections and reward systems.
• Adopt transparent bidding processes with public disclosure of contracts.

Improving Project Planning and Management

Strategic planning reforms should include:

• Long-term national infrastructure master plans.
• Risk assessment frameworks for external financing.
• Public-private partnership guidelines that prioritize local value addition.

Points of Caution

While reforms are essential, stakeholders must navigate several risks:

• Political Interference: Short-term electoral considerations may undermine long-term planning.
• Lender Pressure: External financiers may resist changes that affect repayment schedules.
• Bureaucratic Inertia: Legacy systems may resist transparency initiatives without top-down enforcement.

Stakeholders should embed safeguards—such as bipartisan oversight committees and civil society monitoring—to counter these challenges.

Comparison

Historical Performance: Nkrumah’s Era vs. Today

The Tema Motorway, constructed in 1963, exemplifies durable infrastructure achieved through centralized planning and adequate funding. In contrast, many modern roads require reconstruction within five years due to:

• Poor material selection influenced by corrupt practices.
• Inadequate maintenance budgets.
• Rushed timelines to meet political deadlines.

International Benchmarks

Countries like Rwanda and Ethiopia have adopted rigorous procurement and anti-corruption frameworks, resulting in faster, higher-quality road rollouts. Ghana could emulate these models by:

• Adopting technology-driven contract management.
• Creating independent infrastructure oversight agencies.
• Linking performance metrics to official career advancement.

Legal Implications

Ghana’s contractual obligations with highway contractors carry legal dimensions:

• Debt Settlement: Delays in payments may trigger breach-of-contract lawsuits, risking penalties and damaged credit ratings.
• Procurement Laws: Violations of the Public Procurement Act could invalidate contracts and lead to criminal prosecution.
• Anti-Corruption Statutes: Evidence of kickbacks falls under the Criminal and Other Offences Act, potentially resulting in jail terms for offenders.

Transparent legal processes and timely settlements are vital to maintaining investor confidence and avoiding international arbitration.

Conclusion

Ghana’s highway sector stands at a crossroads. Dr. Asah Asante’s analysis reveals that lasting solutions hinge on building state capacity and eradicating corruption. By modernizing revenue systems, enforcing rigorous anti-graft measures, and adopting sustainable planning frameworks, Ghana can transform its infrastructure landscape. The path forward requires political will, institutional reforms, and active citizen engagement to ensure that future roads serve the nation—not the few.

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