The much-anticipated Ofankor-Nsawam road project, initially slated for completion in July 2024, now faces an indefinite postponement due to a multitude of ongoing court cases. This $350 million project, a vital component of the Accra-Kumasi highway, is significantly hampered by legal disputes that have stalled construction efforts.
According to Nasir Ahmad Yartey, Public Relations Officer for the Ministry of Roads and Highways, speaking on Citi Breakfast Show, over 100 court cases related to the project were filed last year. While approximately 20 have been resolved, a staggering 80 cases remain unresolved, primarily concerning property owners challenging demolitions or demanding compensation. These legal battles prevent the contractor from accessing necessary right-of-way, effectively halting progress.
Yartey emphasized the Ministry's inability to proceed with demolitions while legal challenges are pending, stating, "We cannot take the law into our own hands if we need to demolish a particular property and the owner is litigating it in court, there is little you can do.” This highlights the complex legal framework within which the project operates and the limitations it places on construction timelines.
The Ofankor-Nsawam road project is intended to significantly improve transportation along one of Ghana's busiest road networks. The expansion and rehabilitation are expected to alleviate chronic traffic congestion, boost trade and commerce, and enhance overall safety and efficiency for commuters. However, the current delays are causing considerable frustration among residents and commuters who rely on this vital route daily. The worsening traffic situation is leading to significant economic and social disruptions.
Calls are mounting for the government to expedite the resolution of the court cases to allow construction to resume. The indefinite postponement of the project underscores the significant challenges that legal disputes can pose to large-scale infrastructure projects, highlighting the need for more efficient mechanisms to resolve such conflicts and prevent similar delays in future endeavors. The economic and social costs of these delays are substantial, emphasizing the urgency of finding a swift and equitable solution.
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