The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has handed over the cleared right-of-way for the Accra-Kumasi Expressway to President John Dramani Mahama, marking a major step toward the commencement of construction on one of Ghana’s most significant road infrastructure projects.
The 48 Engineer Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces cleared approximately 175.6 kilometres of the expressway corridor in 19 weeks, completing the assignment one week ahead of schedule.
President Mahama commended the military engineers for their timely delivery and disclosed that the government had secured US$2 billion in funding for the construction of the Accra-Kumasi Expressway.
The President also directed that the GAF Engineers Regiment be engaged as a major subcontractor on the project to support the main contractor in delivering the massive road infrastructure development.
GAF Engineers to Support Accra-Kumasi Expressway Construction
Minister for Roads and Highways, Hon. Kwame Agbodza, said the engineering capabilities of the Ghana Armed Forces would complement the work of the main contractor.
According to him, the involvement of the military engineering team would contribute to the efficient implementation of the project and help ensure the delivery of a high-quality expressway.
The development is expected to improve transportation between Accra and Kumasi, enhance road connectivity and support economic activity along the corridor.
Accra-Kumasi Expressway Project Scope
The Accra-Kumasi Expressway project will cover approximately 198.7 kilometres between Ablekuma in Accra and Sawua in Kumasi.
The project consists of 175.6 kilometres of newly constructed expressway mainline and an additional 23.1 kilometres of upgraded connector roads at the Accra and Kumasi ends.
These connector roads will link the new expressway to existing road networks, improving access to the major urban centres.
The main expressway will be developed as a Class A controlled-access highway, featuring three-lane dual carriageways with a road reserve width of approximately 36 metres and a design speed of 120 kilometres per hour.
The connector roads will be classified as Class B roads, with a design speed of 60 kilometres per hour. The Accra Connector Road will cover approximately 17.9 kilometres, while the Kumasi Connector Road will cover 5.2 kilometres.
Major Infrastructure Components
The engineering works for the Accra-Kumasi Expressway will include several major transport infrastructure facilities designed to improve road safety, traffic flow and connectivity.
The project will feature eight grade-separated interchanges located around key areas, including:
- Ablekuma New Town
- Adeiso
- Asamankese
- Akim Oda
- Ofoase
- Asante Ofoase
- Lake Bosomtwe
- Sewua Junction on the Lake Road
The expressway will also include nine at-grade intersections, 11 vehicular overpasses and 55 mainline bridges.
In addition, the project will provide approximately 280 reinforced concrete box culverts and 56 overpasses and underpasses to support drainage, traffic movement and road connectivity.
Tolling and Road Safety Infrastructure
As part of the project, four service areas and eight toll locations will be established along the expressway corridor.
The infrastructure plan also includes one main operations centre supported by two monitoring sub-centres, as well as three maintenance depots to support the long-term management and maintenance of the road.
A dedicated fire station will also form part of the project infrastructure.
Road safety systems will be incorporated into the expressway, alongside civil and electromechanical works required for an Intelligent Transport System (ITS).
The technology is expected to support traffic monitoring, road management, safety operations and efficient transportation along the corridor.
Major Boost for Ghana’s Road Infrastructure
The Accra-Kumasi Expressway is expected to become a major component of Ghana’s transportation infrastructure, improving connectivity between the country’s two major economic centres.
The project is also expected to facilitate the movement of people and goods, reduce travel challenges and support economic development along the Accra-Kumasi corridor.
With the right-of-way clearance now completed and funding secured, attention will turn to the next phase of construction as the government works to advance one of Ghana’s major road development and infrastructure projects.
Source: newsthemegh.com