Ghana's Roads by the Numbers: What the Latest Ministry Data Reveals

For many Ghanaians, the quality of our roads is about how long it takes to get to work, the safety of our families, and the longevity of our vehicles.

Following a recent update from the Minister of Roads and Highways, we now have a clear picture of the country’s official road infrastructure as of the close of 2025.

A breakdown of the state of Ghana's validated roads (End of 2025)

The Network: 94,203 Kilometres of Validated Infrastructure

The government currently recognizes a validated network of 94,203 kilometres. These are the roads that have been officially measured, mapped, and brought under the Ministry’s direct oversight for maintenance and development.

The latest data categorizes the quality of this network into three distinct tiers: Good, Fair, and Poor.

How Do the Roads Rank?

1. The Standard: 44% in "Good" Condition

Nearly half of Ghana's official road network is currently performing at a high standard.

• Total Distance: 41,449.32 km

• Condition: These roads provide smooth transit, are well-engineered, and require regular, routine maintenance to preserve their quality.

2. The Watchlist: 34% Rated as "Fair"

A significant portion of the network is in a transitional state.

• Total Distance: 32,029.02 km

• Condition: "Fair" roads are functional but are beginning to show signs of wear. Timely intervention in these areas is critical to prevent them from deteriorating into the "Poor" category.

3. The Challenge: 22% in "Poor" Condition

Just over one-fifth of the validated network is identified as being in poor condition.

• Total Distance: 20,724.66 km

• Condition: These roads require significant rehabilitation or total reconstruction. These are the areas where commuters often face the most frequent delays and vehicle damage.

Strategic Investment for 2026

The Minister highlighted that the government has made a major financial move to address these gaps, settling over GH¢10 billion in arrears to road contractors by the end of 2025.

This massive payout is intended to:

• Resume Stalled Projects: Getting contractors back on-site for works that were paused.

• Protect the Investment: By focusing on maintenance, the Ministry aims to prevent "Fair" roads from sliding into the "Poor" category.

• Enhance Safety: Improving the 20,724 km of poor roads to reduce travel times and accidents.

Conclusion

With 44% of the network in good shape, the foundation is there, but the focus for 2026 remains on the roughly 52,750 kilometres of roads that are currently rated as Fair or Poor. Understanding these numbers helps us hold infrastructure development to a clear, measurable standard.