As the government prepares to present the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review to parliament, CUTS International is calling on the government to significantly increase allocations to the Road Fund.
The policy think tank and consumer protection advocacy group is warning that deteriorating road conditions across the country are imposing growing economic and social costs on Ghanaians.
In a statement recently released by CUTS International, it said the recent heavy rains have worsened the condition of roads, bridges and drainage infrastructure, turning many pothole-ridden roads into dangerous stretches that threaten lives, damage vehicles and disrupt economic activity.
According to the West Africa Regional Director of CUTS, Appiah Kusi Adomako (Esq), the poor state of roads is no longer just an infrastructure concern but a daily burden on households and businesses.
Commuters, he adds, spend longer hours in traffic, transport operators incur higher maintenance costs, and motorists are forced to spend more on fuel and vehicle repairs.
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“Every day, ordinary Ghanaians are paying the price for bad roads. They spend more time in traffic, pay more to fix their cars, use more fuel and face higher risks on the road. This is no longer about minor potholes. In many places, the roads are breaking down badly, and the government must respond with urgency,” Appiah Kusi Adomako remarked.
The organization argues that while major road rehabilitation projects are often scheduled for the dry season, the current level of deterioration requires immediate intervention. It is therefore urging the government to dedicate additional resources to emergency road maintenance and rehabilitation works before conditions worsen further.
CUTS also further cautioned against relying solely on temporary pothole patching, noting that many repaired sections quickly deteriorate because the underlying causes of road failure remain unaddressed. Poor drainage systems, weak road foundations and recurring flooding continue to undermine the durability of road infrastructure.
To ensure value for money and long-term sustainability, the think tank is calling for increased investment in preventive maintenance, drainage improvement, bridge rehabilitation and stronger supervision of road construction and repair works.
With the Mid-Year Budget Review approaching, CUTS believes a stronger commitment to road maintenance funding will not only improve safety and mobility but also reduce transport costs, support businesses and protect critical national infrastructure from further deterioration.
