The construction of Ghana’s proposed Accra-Kumasi Expressway has moved closer to a major breakthrough after the Ghana Armed Forces formally handed over the cleared 175.6-kilometre right-of-way to the government.
The development marks the completion of a critical preparatory stage for the project, which is expected to transform road transportation between Ghana’s two major commercial cities.
President John Dramani Mahama has also announced that about US$2 billion has been set aside to finance the construction, assuring that funding will not be a challenge once the project begins.
Ghana Armed Forces clears expressway corridor
The Ghana Armed Forces has played a major role in preparing the corridor for construction through its 48 Engineers Regiment.
The military engineering team cleared the 175.6-kilometre right-of-way ahead of the next stage of the project.
President Mahama praised the 48 Engineers Regiment for completing the assignment ahead of schedule and announced plans to give the unit a national honour for its contribution.
The handover means the government now has a substantially prepared corridor for the main construction phase of the long-awaited expressway.
Accra-Kumasi Expressway: $2bn Ready as Construction Moves Closer [MORE DETAILS]
Military engineers to participate in construction
The involvement of the Ghana Armed Forces will not end with the preparation of the route.
President Mahama announced that the 48 Engineers Regiment will serve as a major subcontractor to the main contractor during construction of the expressway.
The arrangement is expected to allow the military engineering unit to contribute its technical expertise directly to the project while working alongside the principal contractor.
$2 billion funding ready for the project
Government has indicated that financing is in place for the construction of the expressway.
President Mahama disclosed that US$2 billion has been set aside for the project, removing one of the major uncertainties surrounding the start of construction.
Earlier in July, Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson announced that US$1.7 billion had already been deposited into a dedicated Accra-Kumasi Expressway account at the Bank of Ghana and ring-fenced for the project.
Government had said the funds would only be used after the main construction contract was awarded.
The latest announcement therefore represents an increase in the publicly stated financing envelope to about US$2 billion.
Expressway expected to cut journey to about two hours
The proposed road is expected to significantly improve travel between Accra and Kumasi.
President Mahama says motorists could complete the journey in approximately two hours once the expressway is completed.
The project is designed as a six-lane, high-speed expressway, with modern infrastructure intended to improve road safety, reduce congestion and lower transportation costs.
Earlier government documents described the project as one of the flagship initiatives under the Big Push Infrastructure Programme.
8 interchanges, 11 overpasses and 55 bridges
The planned expressway will contain significant engineering infrastructure.
According to details released on Monday, the project will include:
- 8 grade-separated interchanges
- 11 vehicle overpasses
- 55 mainline bridges
- Modern road safety infrastructure
- Intelligent transport systems
- Electronic tolling
- Emergency response facilities
- Rest areas
The infrastructure is expected to provide safer and faster movement of people and goods along one of Ghana’s most important economic corridors.
Project designed to boost trade and economic activity
The Accra-Kumasi corridor connects Ghana’s southern economic centre with the Ashanti Region and the country’s middle and northern zones.
A modern expressway could therefore have implications beyond reducing travel time.
Government expects the project to improve the movement of agricultural products, manufactured goods, passengers and commercial vehicles while strengthening connections between major markets.
The project is also expected to reduce pressure on the existing Accra-Kumasi highway, which currently carries significant volumes of traffic.
50-year operation and maintenance plan
The expressway is expected to be operated and maintained for 50 years through a government-owned company established specifically to manage the facility.
Revenue from tolls is expected to contribute towards the long-term operation and maintenance of the road.
This approach is intended to ensure that the infrastructure remains properly maintained after construction rather than deteriorating because of inadequate maintenance funding.
A major test for Ghana’s infrastructure agenda
The Accra-Kumasi Expressway is one of the most ambitious road projects under Ghana’s Big Push infrastructure programme.
With the right-of-way now handed over and government announcing that funding is ready, attention will increasingly shift towards the award of the main construction contract and the commencement of physical works.
If delivered successfully, the project could become a major transport and economic link between Accra and Kumasi, while setting a new standard for high-speed road infrastructure in Ghana.
Key details at a glance
- Project: Accra-Kumasi Expressway
- Right-of-way cleared: 175.6 km
- Funding announced: US$2 billion
- Design: Six-lane expressway
- Expected journey time: About 2 hours
- Interchanges: 8
- Vehicle overpasses: 11
- Mainline bridges: 55
- Military unit involved: 48 Engineers Regiment
- Planned operation: 50 years through toll revenue
- Programme: Big Push Infrastructure Programme
What happens next?
With the right-of-way preparation completed, the next major milestone will be the commencement of the main construction works.
The government has positioned the project as a transformational investment in Ghana’s transport infrastructure.
For motorists, businesses and communities along the corridor, the biggest expectation is that the project will translate from plans and preparations into visible construction activity and, eventually, a safer and much faster connection between Accra and Kumasi.
Accra-Kumasi Expressway: $2bn Ready as Construction Moves Closer
External authority: Ghana News Agency – Accra-Kumasi Expressway funding
