Roads and Highways Minister pays courtesy call on Ga Mantse, reaffirms commitment to Accra’s road development

A delegation from the Ministry of Roads and Highways, led by the Minister for Roads and Highways, Hon. Kwame Governs Agbodza (MP), has paid a courtesy call on His Royal Majesty King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse, and members of the Ga Traditional Council as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration between the Ministry and the traditional authorities on infrastructure development in the Ga State.

The engagement provided an opportunity for the Minister to brief His Royal Majesty and the Ga Traditional Council on the government’s ongoing and planned interventions to improve road infrastructure in Accra and other parts of the country.

Discussions focused particularly on the rehabilitation, upgrading and modernisation of major roads and principal streets within the capital.

Hon. Agbodza outlined the government’s broader vision for improving Ghana’s road network, noting that well-developed road infrastructure remains essential to economic growth, efficient transportation, improved mobility and the general wellbeing of citizens.

He explained that the Ministry was pursuing a number of road projects in Accra and other parts of the country, including key projects being undertaken in partnership with Oswal Investment Limited.

These interventions, he indicated, form part of broader efforts to address infrastructure challenges and improve the quality, accessibility and functionality of roads across the country.

The Minister also highlighted plans to give the principal streets of Accra a significant facelift ahead of Ghana’s 70th Independence Anniversary celebrations in March 2027.

The initiative is expected to contribute to the improvement of the capital’s physical appearance while enhancing the functionality and overall condition of major transportation corridors.

According to Hon. Agbodza, the planned improvements are particularly significant because Accra serves as Ghana’s political, administrative, commercial and cultural centre.

He stressed that the development and modernisation of the capital must therefore be pursued in a manner that reflects its importance while respecting the city’s historical identity and cultural heritage.

The Minister assured the Ga Mantse of the Ministry’s continued commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at improving road infrastructure within Accra and the wider Ga State.

He acknowledged the important role of traditional authorities in promoting development and expressed appreciation for the support and cooperation of the Ga Traditional Council.

Hon. Agbodza further commended His Royal Majesty for his efforts to support government initiatives aimed at improving sanitation, development and the general wellbeing of residents within the capital.

He noted that effective development of Accra requires collaboration among central government institutions, traditional authorities, local stakeholders and the communities themselves.

He emphasised that the modernisation of Accra should not result in the loss of the city’s historical and cultural character.

Rather, infrastructure development should complement efforts to preserve the heritage and identity of the Ga people and ensure that the capital remains a city in which infrastructure, culture, history and economic activity can coexist.

In his remarks, His Royal Majesty King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II welcomed the delegation and expressed appreciation to the Minister and the Ministry of Roads and Highways for their continued efforts to improve road infrastructure within the Ga State and across Ghana.

The Ga Mantse used the occasion to draw the Minister’s attention to the need for sustained attention to road infrastructure within Gamashie.

He stressed the importance of ensuring that roads serving communities within the traditional area receive continued maintenance and development to support mobility, commerce and the overall growth of the area.

His Royal Majesty noted that improved road infrastructure would have a direct impact on the lives and economic activities of residents, particularly by facilitating movement, improving access to businesses and services, and supporting the development of communities within the Ga State.

The Ga Mantse also introduced the Ga Mantse Foundation to the Minister and members of the delegation.

He highlighted the Foundation’s programmes and its role in supporting the development and wellbeing of the people of the Ga State.

The Foundation, he explained, is involved in initiatives aimed at promoting education, youth development and broader social wellbeing.

Its activities are intended to complement development efforts and create opportunities that can contribute to the advancement of young people and communities across the Ga State.

The introduction of the Foundation also provided an opportunity for the Ministry and the Ga Traditional Council to consider areas where institutional collaboration could further support development initiatives within the traditional area.

The engagement highlighted the importance of cooperation between government and traditional institutions in addressing the infrastructure and development needs of communities.

While government remains responsible for the formulation and implementation of national infrastructure policies, traditional authorities continue to play an important role in community mobilisation, local development and the preservation of cultural heritage.

Both sides recognised that sustainable development of Accra requires a coordinated approach that goes beyond road construction alone.

Improved roads must be supported by effective sanitation, responsible urban development, environmental management, improved public spaces and initiatives that enhance the socioeconomic wellbeing of residents.

The discussions also underscored the importance of maintaining existing road infrastructure while undertaking new projects.

Regular maintenance, effective planning and timely interventions are critical to ensuring that investments in road infrastructure remain beneficial to communities over the long term.

The planned facelift of Accra’s principal streets ahead of the 70th Independence Anniversary was also viewed within the broader context of preparing the capital to host national and international activities while presenting an improved image of Ghana’s capital.

For the Ga Traditional Council, the preservation of Accra’s historical and cultural character remains an important consideration as the city undergoes physical and economic transformation.

The engagement therefore reinforced the need for development that recognises both the contemporary needs of the capital and the historical significance of the Ga State.

The courtesy call ended with a reaffirmation of the shared commitment of the Ministry of Roads and Highways and the Ga Traditional Council to advancing infrastructure development, sanitation, cultural preservation and socioeconomic progress within the Ga State.

The engagement is expected to further strengthen cooperation between the Ministry and the Ga Traditional Council as stakeholders work together to address infrastructure challenges and support the sustainable development of Accra and surrounding communities.

The meeting ultimately underscored a common objective: to build a more accessible, functional and modern capital while ensuring that Accra’s rich history, cultural identity and traditional heritage remain an integral part of its future development.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith