The Ghana Government has announced that companies seeking to undertake the Accra-Kumasi Expressway project must demonstrate strong financial capacity, technical expertise and proven experience in delivering major road infrastructure projects.
The move is aimed at ensuring quality construction, value for money and timely completion of the strategic highway, which is expected to transform transportation between Ghana’s two major economic centres.
Minister for Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza, said the procurement process for the Accra-Kumasi Expressway would be rigorous, transparent and competitive.
According to the Minister, preference would be given to companies with a strong track record in implementing projects of similar scale, complexity and technical requirements.
He explained that the selection process would be conducted through international competitive pre-qualification to attract financially sound and technically capable companies.
“Ghana must obtain quality, value for money and timely delivery. These principles are non-negotiable,” Mr Agbodza stated.
The Roads and Highways Minister made the remarks during a ceremony to hand over the right of way at Kwaso in the Ejisu Municipality for preparatory works on the Accra-Kumasi Expressway.
Government prioritises value for money
Mr Agbodza said the procurement arrangements must protect the national interest by ensuring that companies selected for the project possess the necessary technical expertise, financial strength and industry experience.
He noted that the scale of the expressway project required a robust procurement framework capable of supporting its construction, long-term operation and maintenance.
As part of the government’s strategy, the Accra-Kumasi Expressway Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) has been established to oversee the development, financing, construction, operation and maintenance of the project.
The SPV is expected to provide a clear institutional structure and accountability framework for the professional and sustainable management of the major road infrastructure project.
Accra-Kumasi Expressway to reduce travel time
The proposed Accra-Kumasi Expressway is being developed as a strategic national transport corridor intended to improve connectivity between Accra and Kumasi, Ghana’s two largest urban and economic centres.
The project is expected to reduce travel time, lower logistics costs and improve road safety, while making it easier for people, goods and services to move across the country.
Mr Agbodza said increasing population growth, freight transportation and commercial activity along the Accra-Kumasi corridor had placed significant pressure on the existing road network.
He explained that Ghana therefore needed a long-term transportation solution instead of relying only on road repairs and incremental expansion of the existing N6 highway.
The new expressway is expected to provide controlled-access, high-speed intercity transportation while separating long-distance traffic from local road users.
The project will also increase capacity and create greater resilience within Ghana’s national road network.
Project forms part of Mahama’s Big Push agenda
The Accra-Kumasi Expressway is part of President John Dramani Mahama’s infrastructure agenda under the Big Push programme, which seeks to accelerate investment in major infrastructure projects capable of supporting economic development.
The government expects the road corridor to connect production centres with major markets, strengthen trade and logistics, support Ghana’s 24-hour economy, create employment opportunities and improve national productivity.
The project is also expected to create opportunities for Ghanaian engineers, contractors, consultants, suppliers, artisans and young professionals.
Mr Agbodza said the government would promote local participation while ensuring that international and local companies meet the required technical, financial and safety standards.
“We want skills transfer, technology transfer and meaningful participation by local businesses while maintaining the technical, financial and safety standards demanded by a project of this magnitude,” he said.
Expressway to improve national road connectivity
The Roads and Highways Minister said the Accra-Kumasi Expressway would be integrated into Ghana’s wider road network, including the emerging Kumasi Outer Ring Road.
The integration is expected to improve regional connectivity and maximise the economic benefits of the highway.
Mr Agbodza commended President Mahama for his infrastructure vision and praised the Minister for Finance for efforts to secure funding for the project.
He also acknowledged the support of the Ghana Armed Forces, the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund, relevant government agencies and communities involved in the preparatory phase.
The successful implementation of the Accra-Kumasi Expressway is expected to become a major milestone in Ghana’s road infrastructure development, with potential benefits for transportation, trade, logistics, job creation and economic growth.
Source: newsthemegh.com