Key Takeaways
- Minister for Roads and Highways Kwame Agbodza states no compensation for structures built within the road reservation on the Dome‑Kwabenya–Berekuso–Kitase corridor.
- Developers have continued construction despite official designation of the land for a dualisation project.
- Government will enforce regulations and refuse taxpayer‑funded payouts to violators.
- The warning precedes the resumption of stalled road works scheduled for September 24.
The Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Agbodza, addressed chiefs and residents on September 22, reiterating that any building erected within the legally defined right‑of‑way will not be eligible for compensation. His remarks targeted a series of private developments that have emerged along the planned dual carriageway linking Dome‑Kwabenya, Berekuso and Kitase.
Agbodza’s declaration follows a month‑long suspension of the project, during which the government announced a restart on September 24. The minister emphasized that the public treasury will not subsidise illegal encroachments, signalling a shift toward stricter enforcement of land‑use policies.
Background & Policy Context
The Dome‑Kwabenya–Berekuso–Kitase corridor is a critical segment of Ghana’s northern‑suburban network, intended to alleviate congestion on the Accra‑Kumasi axis. The road reservation was formally earmarked in the 2018 National Infrastructure Development Plan, and its alignment has been incorporated into successive budgetary allocations.
Ghanaian law requires that any construction within a designated road reservation receive prior clearance from the Ministry of Roads and Highways. Historical precedents show that failure to enforce this provision has led to costly delays, as seen in the 2015 Tamale‑Bolgatanga highway project, where illegal structures added years to the timetable and inflated costs by an estimated 12%.
Enforcement Stance and Legal Implications
Agbodza’s statement underscores a policy of zero tolerance for deliberate violations. By refusing compensation, the ministry invokes Section 12 of the Land Use Act, which permits the state to acquire land for public purposes without remuneration when the occupier is deemed to have acted in bad faith.
Legal scholars note that the minister’s approach could set a precedent for other infrastructure initiatives, potentially reducing the incentive for opportunistic development on public corridors. However, affected owners may pursue judicial review, arguing that due process was not observed in the original reservation marking.
Impact on Infrastructure Timeline
The firm stance is expected to clear the right‑of‑way ahead of the September 24 restart, allowing contractors to proceed with dualisation without the risk of future disputes. Clearing the corridor could shorten the projected completion date from 2027 to 2025, according to the Ministry’s internal estimates.
Conversely, abrupt enforcement may generate short‑term tension with local stakeholders, who have invested in the properties under the assumption of eventual compensation. The ministry has pledged to engage community leaders to mitigate unrest while maintaining project momentum.
Looking Ahead
Future monitoring will likely involve satellite imaging and on‑ground inspections to ensure compliance. The Ministry plans to publish a quarterly compliance report, providing transparency on enforcement actions and progress on the dual carriageway.
Successful clearance of the reservation could reinforce Ghana’s broader infrastructure agenda, demonstrating the government’s capacity to safeguard public funds while advancing critical transport links.
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