By Alex Ababio
It is estimated that climate change—specifically changes in precipitation, temperature, and flooding—has cost Ghana approximately $473 million in road maintenance and repairs.
According to the report the total cumulative cost could increase to $678.47 million due to the initial costs of adaptation.
Kumasi, the heart of the Ashanti Region and Ghana’s second-largest city, with population currently numbers over 2.9 million inhabitants in Expanded Kumasi, including more than 1.3 million in Greater Kumasi and 444, 000 in KMA, has had its share and is feeling the brunt of climate change, particularly in its road infrastructure.
With intensifying rainfall patterns, extreme heat, and fluctuating weather conditions, Kumasi’s roads are deteriorating at an alarming rate, placing immense pressure on urban mobility, commerce, and public safety.
A recent study by the Ashanti Regional Directorate of Urban Roads reveals a stark reality: over 65% of Kumasi’s roads, including major arterial routes such as the Lake Road and Atonsu-Agogo stretch, have been compromised due to the severe impacts of climate change.
The once robust asphalt surfaces are cracking, potholes are widening, and flooding during heavy rains is becoming more frequent, disrupting the lives of thousands of residents daily.
Rising Temperatures and Heat Distortion
Climate data from the Ghana Meteorological Agency shows that Kumasi has experienced a significant rise in average temperatures over the last decade, with the city recording highs of 38°C, compared to 34°C a decade ago. This increase has accelerated the degradation of road surfaces. Asphalt, the primary material used for road construction in the region, softens under high temperatures, leading to warping and the formation of ruts in high-traffic areas.
According to the Ashanti Regional Director for the Urban Roads Department, Francis Gabrah,, “The rising temperatures we are witnessing are causing a thermal expansion in our road surfaces, weakening the structure of roads. In recent years, we’ve seen an uptick in maintenance costs due to this phenomenon, coupled with damage caused by flash floods.”
Unpredictable Rainfall and Flash Flooding
Beyond the heat, Kumasi’s wet season has become increasingly unpredictable. The city is now prone to more intense and sporadic rainstorms, often leading to flash floods that overwhelm the existing drainage systems. These floods not only cause immediate damage but also weaken the foundational structure of roads through soil erosion and water logging.
Environmental scientist, Professor Joshua Ayarkwa of Construction Technology and Management at the Department of Construction Technology and Management, from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) warns that the situation is likely to worsen if current trends continue. “We’re seeing more frequent downpours over shorter periods, and this will increase the rate of erosion around roadways.
The soil becomes waterlogged, compromising the integrity of the road bed, which leads to further cracks and subsidence,” she explained.
Economic Toll on Kumasi
The economic impact of road degradation in Kumasi is far-reaching. The Urban Roads Department estimates that an additional GHC 80 million will be required annually for emergency road repairs, a figure projected to rise by 20% over the next five years if climate resilience measures are not adopted.
Road engineers, such as Kwabena Anane, a leading infrastructure expert, stress the need for new, climate-adaptive road construction techniques. “Our current road-building materials and methods were designed decades ago under the assumption of stable weather patterns. What we need now is a shift towards more durable materials such as polymer-modified bitumen or even concrete in high-risk areas. However, these options come with higher initial costs, which local governments are often reluctant to approve,” Anane noted.
Ashanti Urban Roads Perspective: Striking a Balance
The Ashanti Regional Urban Roads Directorate acknowledges the challenge. Mr. Francis Gabrah stated, “We are actively revising our road construction guidelines to incorporate climate resilience. For instance, we have initiated pilot projects using permeable pavements in parts of Kumasi to allow rainwater to seep through, reducing surface runoff. However, the key challenge remains funding, as climate-adaptive infrastructure requires significant upfront investment.”
Gabrah also urged the need for collaboration among key stakeholders to mitigate the impact. “This is not a challenge that the Urban Roads Department can handle alone. We need cooperation from environmental scientists, urban planners, and, crucially, government policymakers to implement and fund long-term solutions.”
A Call for Immediate Action
Experts agree that Kumasi must adopt immediate strategies to protect its road network from further deterioration. Professor Dr. Joshua Ayarkwa emphasized the need for an integrated approach, stating, “It’s not enough to repair roads after they’ve been damaged. We must focus on prevention by investing in more resilient infrastructure, improving drainage systems, and adopting environmentally friendly practices, such as afforestation around roadways, to reduce erosion.”
Community Involvement and Policy Changes
Civil society organizations are also adding their voice to the conversation.The Kumasi-based African Liberators Economic Institute recently launched a campaign to raise awareness about the impact of climate change on infrastructure. Vice President, Daniel Oppong , believes that road users should be part of the solution. “We’re calling on drivers, traders, and local authorities to take responsibility in keeping drainage systems free from waste and helping plant trees along major roads to serve as windbreaks and reduce erosion,” he explained.
At the national level, road experts advocate for policy shifts, urging the government to integrate climate risk assessments into all future infrastructure projects. Legislative backing for green infrastructure financing is essential, they argue, to ensure Kumasi’s roads and other critical infrastructure can withstand future climate shocks.
Kumasi stands at a critical juncture. Climate change is no longer a distant threat; its effects are already undermining the city’s infrastructure. Without immediate action, the situation is poised to escalate, leaving urban roads in disrepair and further straining the city’s resources. Experts, stakeholders, and local authorities must work together to implement sustainable solutions that will safeguard Kumasi’s roads—and its people—for generations to come.
