Togbe Afede XIV Seals Landmark PPP Deal for Apemenyim–Daboase Road at TICAD 9 in Japan

Togbe Afede XIV, the Agbogbomefia of Asogli State and Chairman of Strategic Initiatives Limited (SIL), has spearheaded the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the Integrated Apemenyim–Daboase Road Public–Private Partnership (PPP) Project, a transformative 44-kilometre bypass designed to strengthen Ghana’s transport network and boost regional trade.

The signing, which took place on August 21, 2025, during the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) in Yokohama, Japan, brings together a multinational consortium comprising Index Consulting, Inc. (Japan), Maeda Corporation (Japan), Mota-Engil Engenharia e Construção África S.A. (Portugal/Africa), and SIL (Ghana).

A Road of Regional Significance

The bypass will connect Apemenyim (Agona Junction) to Daboase in Ghana’s Western Region, forming part of National Route 1 (N1)—the Ghanaian stretch of the Abidjan–Lagos Corridor, West Africa’s busiest trade route linking five national capitals and several seaports.

Once completed, the road will:

• Cut travel times and decongest the N1.

• Reduce accidents and improve safety.

• Lower logistics costs for traders and industries.

• Ease access to the Port of Takoradi, a vital hub for Ghana’s exports of cocoa, bauxite, oil, and manganese.

From TICAD 8 to TICAD 9

The project traces its roots to TICAD 8 in Tunisia (2022), where initial MOUs were signed between Ghana’s Ministry of Roads and Highways and Japanese partners.

In 2022, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) undertook a full feasibility study, confirming the project’s technical, financial, and social viability by March 2025.

At TICAD 9, the MOU signed by Togbe Afede marked a transition from planning to execution, giving the project a global platform.

Building a Strong Consortium

The project will be implemented through a Special Purpose Company (SPC), drawing on:

• Index Consulting, Inc. – PPP structuring and advisory.

• Maeda Corporation – global engineering and construction expertise.

• Mota-Engil África S.A. – extensive operational experience in Africa.

• Strategic Initiatives Limited (SIL) – ensuring alignment with Ghana’s development priorities.

This blend of local and international expertise strengthens confidence in the project’s delivery under a PPP framework.

Boosting Ghana’s AfCFTA Ambitions

The Apemenyim–Daboase Road is not just a local project—it is a strategic investment in West African integration. By improving a crucial stretch of the Abidjan–Lagos Corridor, Ghana positions itself as a gateway for intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The project is also expected to create jobs, stimulate local economies, and improve access to markets, schools, and healthcare facilities for surrounding communities.

Next Steps

With the MOU signed, the consortium will focus on:

• Financial closure.

• Final engineering designs.

• Phased construction of the 44km bypass.

Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with the road operated under a PPP framework to guarantee sustainability and efficiency.

For Togbe Afede XIV, the signing is both a national milestone and a personal triumph, showcasing Ghana’s ability to forge strategic global alliances that deliver transformative infrastructure.

Last Updated on August 27, 2025 by Samuel Kwame Boadu

Samuel Kwame Boadu

Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian media entrepreneur and storyteller with a passion for amplifying urban voices and uncovering everyday truths. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Accra Street Journal, a dynamic digital platform dedicated to capturing the pulse of Ghana’s capital—its people, culture, challenges, business, sports and innovations.

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