Editorial: Mid-year budget review must demonstrate stronger commitment to maintaining roads

Policy think-tank CUTS International has called on government to increase funding for road maintenance in the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review.

This is in view of the fact that recent heavy rains have worsened the condition of roads, bridges and drainage systems across the country, placing an increasing burden on road users.

It observed that the deteriorating roads are slowing traffic, damaging vehicles, increasing transport costs and disrupting economic activity, making it imperative for government to allocate additional resources to the Ghana Road Maintenance Trust Fund.

Many roads have deteriorated significantly following this year’s rains, with potholes in several areas developing into deep gullies that pose safety risks to motorists and commuters.

Ordinary Ghanaians spend more time in traffic, pay more to fix their cars, use more fuel and face higher risks on the road.

“In many places, the roads are breaking down badly and government must respond with urgency,” said Appiah Kusi Adomako, Director-West Africa Regional Centre of CUTS International.

CUTS argues that temporarily patching potholes alone will not provide a lasting solution, noting that poor drainage systems, weak road foundations and recurrent flooding continue to damage roads repeatedly.

It therefore urges government to invest in comprehensive maintenance programmes including drainage improvements, bridge repairs and stricter supervision of road construction works.

CUTS cautioned against neglecting existing road infrastructure while pursuing new construction projects under government’s Big Push agenda. Maintenance of existing roads must receive equal attention.

CUTS maintains that the scale of damage caused by the rains requires additional support through the mid-year budget review.

“The Road Fund must be strong enough to do what it was created to do. If we do not put enough money into road maintenance today, the cost will not disappear. It will be paid by drivers, passengers, businesses, farmers, traders and families through higher transport costs, damaged vehicles, lost time and avoidable accidents,” Mr. Adomako concluded.

Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) must be adequately resourced to undertake road and bridge repairs within their jurisdictions.

Continued suspension of the National Roads Authority Act, 2024 (Act 1118) weakens decentralised road management and slows institutional response to road failures.

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