June 5, 2025 – Communities in the Nzema area along the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Highway Development Project have been engaged on the benefits of the international road and the government’s plans to compensate affected landowners, traditional rulers, and farmers to pave the way for construction.
The new international highway is expected to enhance trans-border movement, boost sub-regional integration, and promote trade, commerce, and industry.
Mr. David Nwedu, Project Director of Communications and Visibility for the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Highway Development Project, disclosed this during a visit by a team from ECOWAS, in collaboration with officials from the Ministry of Roads and Highways and the Ghana Highway Authority.
The engagement was part of a series of meetings with affected stakeholders in communities along the proposed ECOWAS corridor. The goal was to update personal data on official documents for submission to the government to facilitate compensation payments, which will be made by cheque.
Mr. Nwedu stated that the project began in 2013, and the team visited the Nzema area in 2022 as part of preparatory measures to construct a durable, high-quality road. He assured local leaders and residents that construction could commence at any time, depending on the readiness of governments across the West African sub-region.
He explained that the highway will consist of six lanes three in each direction stretching from Côte d’Ivoire, through Elubo and Akano in Ghana’s Volta Region, to Nigeria. He stressed that ECOWAS is committed to ensuring that all member countries adhere to proper procedures so that no one is disadvantaged. He added that funds are available for compensating those whose properties are affected.
Highlighting the project’s benefits, Mr. Nwedu said it would create employment for young people in the area and increase property values, including land and housing. He noted that the influx of people into the Nzema area would also boost social interaction and economic activity. He projected that by 2045, borders within the region would no longer restrict the free movement of people, goods, and services.
Mr. Cyprian Dawaare, a representative from the Ministry of Roads and Highways, noted that the team is evaluating land and property to ensure value for money. However, he pointed out that not all farmland owners have had their names and data properly recorded, leading to delays in compensation. He assured that a sensitization exercise will follow the verification process before disbursements begin.
He encouraged affected landowners and farmers to regularly engage with the ECOWAS verification and local content teams. Mr. Dawaare emphasized that the Lands Commission, as mandated by law, is responsible for verifying land ownership and providing valuation reports for compensation.
The Takoradi Area Manager of the Ghana Highways Authority (GHA), Mr. John Esseh Amissah, advised communities along the corridor to stop erecting illegal structures such as stores and buildings by the roadside, noting that these actions often result in unnecessary compensation costs for the government.
Mr. Amissah also condemned activities that obstruct the road, such as mixing concrete, washing cars, and working on vehicles including removing engines which often lead to oil spills and road deterioration. He stressed the importance of maintaining road integrity and urged that broken-down vehicles be towed within two hours to ensure smooth traffic flow and safety.
By Kodwo Nyamekeh
