The Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, has announced that all stalled sections of the existing Accra-Kumasi Highway are expected to be completed by the end of 2027 as part of the government’s ambitious Big Push infrastructure programme.
Mr Agbodza made the announcement during the official handover of the right-of-way for the new Accra-Kumasi Expressway at Kwaso, where he assured traditional leaders, road users and commuters that work on unfinished sections of the existing highway is being revived.
According to the Roads and Highways Minister, contractors are being mobilised back to various project sites to complete outstanding road construction, dualisation and rehabilitation works along the Accra-Kumasi corridor.
He explained that President John Mahama has directed that sections of the existing Accra-Kumasi Highway that stalled before the 2024 general election should be completed alongside other Big Push projects by the end of 2027.
Mr Agbodza noted that one section of the highway was completed and handed over in the previous year, while several other contractors are expected to return to site.
He disclosed that four contractors were scheduled to resume work within the week, while Hardwick Limited had already commenced activities at its project site.
The Minister stressed that the existing Accra-Kumasi Highway has not been abandoned, adding that the renewed construction works are expected to improve road conditions and ease traffic congestion along the busy transport corridor.
New Accra-Kumasi Expressway to Transform Road Transport
While the government works to complete the existing highway, it is also advancing plans for the new Accra-Kumasi Expressway, a major transportation infrastructure project designed to provide a high-speed alternative route for long-distance and freight traffic.
The proposed expressway will be a fully grade-separated dual-carriageway, designed to reduce congestion and separate through traffic from local urban traffic.
The project forms a major component of the government’s Big Push infrastructure agenda, with authorities seeking to establish a more efficient and reliable national road network.
Mr Agbodza said Ghana requires a long-term transportation strategy rather than relying solely on repeated road repairs and incremental expansion.
He explained that the new expressway is intended to improve connectivity, strengthen the national road network and provide businesses with a more predictable logistics environment.
The project is expected to play an important role in facilitating trade, transportation, freight movement and economic development between Accra and Kumasi.
Accra-Kumasi Expressway Limited Established
To oversee the development of the new expressway, the government has established Accra–Kumasi Expressway Limited, a dedicated Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) operating under the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF).
The SPV will be responsible for coordinating the development, financing, construction, operation and maintenance of the proposed expressway.
The project has entered an international competitive pre-qualification process to identify suitable private-sector partners and engineering companies to participate in its delivery.
The government says the procurement process will be guided by transparency, competition, value for money and local content requirements.
Ghanaian Contractors and Engineers to Benefit
Mr Agbodza also highlighted the potential economic benefits of the Accra-Kumasi Expressway project, particularly for Ghanaian professionals and businesses in the construction and engineering sectors.
He said the government expects the project to create opportunities for Ghanaian engineers, contractors, consultants, suppliers, artisans and young professionals.
The project is also expected to promote skills transfer, technology transfer and local business participation as Ghana develops major transport infrastructure.
According to the Minister, ensuring quality, value for money and timely completion will remain key priorities throughout the procurement and construction process.
New Managing Director Appointed
Former Ministry of Roads and Highways Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, Engineer Francis, has been appointed Managing Director of Accra–Kumasi Expressway Limited.
He will lead the implementation of the project together with an independent board as the government moves forward with plans to develop the new expressway.
The completion of stalled sections of the existing Accra-Kumasi Highway, alongside the development of the new expressway, is expected to significantly improve road connectivity, reduce travel challenges and support economic activity along one of Ghana’s most important transportation corridors.
Source: newsthemegh.com