President John Dramani Mahama has officially cut the sod for the dualisation of the Cape Coast–Takoradi Road, marking a major step in Ghana’s efforts to modernise its transport infrastructure and strengthen economic connectivity along the western corridor.

The 73.6-kilometre project, which forms part of the Accra–Takoradi highway (N1) and the Trans–West African Highway, will be divided into three lots to ensure faster completion, with three separate contractors working concurrently.

Speaking at the ceremony on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, President Mahama described the project as more than just a road, calling it “a declaration of our shared resolve to rebuild Ghana’s infrastructure as a foundation for jobs, competitiveness, and national unity”.

He said the dualisation embodied the vision of the Big Push Infrastructure Programme and the 24-Hour Economy Policy, both of which aimed to modernise the transport system, expand industrial access, and boost productivity across sectors.

“In the past, the entire stretch would have been awarded to one contractor and taken several years to complete,” the President noted.

“Today, we have divided the 73.6 kilometres into three lots and assigned them to three capable contractors so that work can progress rapidly.”

The project, expected to be completed within 24 months, will feature multiple interchanges, bridges, pedestrian crossings, service roads, LED lighting, and durable polymer-modified asphalt surfaces. Each section is designed to support driving speeds between 80 and 100 kilometres per hour.

President Mahama disclosed that the project will create more than 8,000 jobs — including 2,000 direct and 6,000 indirect employment opportunities — and urged contractors to prioritise local recruitment.

“If you have to hire labour, please look within the local communities and see if you can find the expertise you need,” he appealed.

The president further explained that the dualisation will cut travel time between Cape Coast and Takoradi by half, improve road safety, and boost access to the Takoradi Port, industrial enclaves, and tourism destinations in the Central and Western Regions.

“This project is a cornerstone of our 24-hour economy and our Reset Agenda,” he said.

“It will enable faster, safer, round-the-clock transport and logistics operations, reduce fuel consumption and vehicle maintenance costs, and strengthen connectivity to export processing zones and industrial corridors.”

He assured that government will ensure fair compensation for residents affected by the project and maintain high environmental and safety standards during implementation.

“Government will honour all legitimate compensation claims associated with right-of-way acquisition,” President Mahama pledged.

“We will not repeat the mistakes of the past where infrastructure came at the cost of our people’s livelihoods.”

President Mahama commended the Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, the Ghana Highway Authority, regional coordinating councils, and traditional leaders for their support in bringing the project to life.

In closing, he described the Cape Coast–Takoradi dualisation as “a bridge between our aspirations and achievements — between promise and progress”.

“Today, as we cut the sod for this vital infrastructure, we are also breaking ground for a more connected, safer, and prosperous Ghana,” he declared.

“The next time we gather here, it will not be to cut the sod, but to commission the Cape Coast–Takoradi dual carriageway.”