The proposed Accra–Kumasi Expressway could become one of the defining infrastructure projects of President John Dramani Mahama’s administration, Roads and Highways Minister Kwame Governs Agbodza has said.
Agbodza described the project as a major generational intervention that could transform transportation between Ghana’s two major economic centres while strengthening trade, mobility and regional connectivity.
His comments come as preparations for the project move forward, with the Ghana Armed Forces completing the clearing of the right-of-way along the expressway corridor.
Major Milestone Reached
The Ghana Armed Forces has completed the clearing of approximately 175.6 kilometres of right-of-way for the proposed expressway, reportedly finishing the operation in 19 weeks, ahead of the original 20-week target.
The completion of the clearing exercise removes one of the major preparatory hurdles ahead of detailed design and procurement for the main construction phase.
The proposed expressway is expected to provide a faster alternative to the existing Accra–Kumasi highway.
Earlier plans outlined a route of less than 200 kilometres, compared with the longer existing road corridor, with the project designed to significantly reduce travel time between Accra and Kumasi.
A Potential Mahama Legacy Project
Agbodza’s description of the expressway as President Mahama’s potential major road legacy places the project at the centre of the government’s broader infrastructure agenda.
The government has positioned the expressway within its Big Push infrastructure programme, with the project expected to support economic activity by improving movement between the Greater Accra, Eastern and Ashanti regions.
The corridor is also strategically important for the movement of passengers and goods between Ghana’s two largest metropolitan centres.
Expressway Will Complement Existing Highway
The new expressway is not intended to replace the existing Accra–Kumasi highway.
Agbodza has previously stressed that the two projects are expected to operate alongside each other, giving motorists different options depending on their preferred travel time and cost.
The proposed expressway is expected to operate under a concession arrangement, with tolling planned as part of its financing and operational structure. The government has also established a special-purpose vehicle to manage and fund the project.
What the Project Could Mean for Ghana
If successfully completed, the expressway could have implications far beyond reducing journey times.
Improved road connectivity between Accra and Kumasi could strengthen domestic commerce, reduce transportation bottlenecks, improve access to markets and support economic activity along the corridor.
The project is also expected to complement ongoing road investments and broader efforts to improve Ghana’s transport infrastructure.
For President Mahama’s administration, however, the significance is equally political and historical.
With the project now moving through key preparatory stages, its eventual completion could become one of the most visible infrastructure markers associated with the government’s second term.
The next major test will be turning the completed preparatory work into actual construction and, ultimately, a functioning expressway capable of delivering the promised economic and transport benefits.
