By Regina Nomo (UniMAC –IJ, Faculty of Journalism, Reginakate010@gmail.com)

Ghana is a West African country known for its rich culture, vibrant economy and stable democracy, but it faces major challenges for the development of poor road infrastructure.

Despite several government initiatives and support from the international community, poor roads remain a major factor affecting the socio-economic development of the country.

Ghana’s poor roads are more than a minor inconvenience with far-reaching effects on daily life, business and the development of the country as a whole. About 60% of Ghana’s road network is classified as being in poor condition, and much of the country, especially in rural areas, has inadequate or non-existent roads.

The economic impact of road infrastructure is enormous. In a country that relies heavily on agriculture, the lack of adequate roads makes it difficult to transport goods from rural areas to urban markets. Farmers struggle to transport their produce intact to the market, resulting in huge post-harvest losses. This inefficiency not only reduces farmers’ incomes, but also leads to higher food prices and inflation. In addition, the industrial and service sectors are also vulnerable. Bad roads increase vehicle operating costs, and frequent breakdowns and maintenance problems increase the financial burden on businesses. This ultimately affects the cost of goods and services, reducing the competitiveness of Ghanaian businesses both internally and externally.