President John Dramani Mahama has commended the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), particularly the Engineers Regiment, for completing the clearing and preparatory works for the Accra-Kumasi Expressway ahead of schedule.
The President praised the military engineers during an official ceremony for the handover of the completion report of the expressway clearing exercise at Kwaso near Ejisu in the Ashanti Region.
The Accra-Kumasi Expressway project is a major component of the Ghana Government’s Big Push infrastructure programme, designed to improve road connectivity between Accra and Kumasi while significantly reducing travel time between the country’s two major economic centres.
The government expects the completed expressway to cut the journey between Accra and Kumasi to approximately two hours, strengthening transportation, trade and economic activity along the corridor.
Ghana Armed Forces Complete Road Clearing in 19 Weeks
President Mahama explained that the Ministry of Roads and Highways, through the Ministry of Defence, requested the support of the Ghana Armed Forces to undertake critical pre-construction activities for the project.
The military engineers were tasked with clearing the proposed road corridor and carrying out early works ahead of the main construction phase.
According to President Mahama, the Ghana Armed Forces were initially given 20 weeks to complete the assignment. However, the Engineers Regiment successfully completed the task in 19 weeks, finishing one week ahead of schedule.
“I’m pleased to announce to the whole country of Ghana that our Armed Forces have accomplished this mission one week ahead of schedule; they did it in 19 weeks,” President Mahama said.
The President noted that the military cleared approximately 175.6 kilometres of the proposed route, stretching from Ablekuma in the Greater Accra Region to Sewua in the Ashanti Region.
The work involved clearing areas through virgin forests as well as sections involving rivers and streams.
President Mahama described the achievement as a successful mission and expressed appreciation to the Ghana Armed Forces, particularly the Engineers Regiment, for their contribution to Ghana’s infrastructure development.
Engineers Regiment to Receive National Honour
In recognition of the Engineers Regiment’s contribution to the Accra-Kumasi Expressway project, President Mahama announced plans to honour the military engineering unit at the next National Honours ceremony.
He said the Engineers Regiment would be considered for the Order of the Companion of the Volta as part of celebrations marking Ghana’s 70th anniversary of independence.
The President said the clearing exercise was an important stage in preparing the route for the construction of the major highway.
Accra-Kumasi Expressway to Cover 198.7 Kilometres
President Mahama disclosed that the planned Accra-Kumasi Expressway would cover approximately 198.7 kilometres and would be constructed as a six-lane highway.
He stressed that the proposed expressway would follow a different alignment from the existing Accra-Kumasi Highway.
While the existing road covers about 270 kilometres between Accra and Kumasi, the new expressway’s shorter alignment would reduce the travel distance by almost 70 kilometres.
The President also indicated that the recommended speed on the completed expressway would be 120 kilometres per hour, further reducing journey times between the two cities.
The project is expected to improve road transportation, enhance logistics and facilitate the movement of people and goods between the Greater Accra and Ashanti regions.
Government Says Funding Will Be Ready by December 2026
Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Baah Forson assured Ghanaians that the funding required for the construction of the Accra-Kumasi Expressway would be available by December 2026.
He emphasised that the government would not borrow money specifically to finance the construction of the expressway.
“For the avoidance of doubt, we will not borrow a pesewa for this construction,” the Finance Minister stated.
The assurance is expected to provide clarity on the government’s financing plans as preparations move towards the main construction phase of the project.
Government Sets Strict Standards for Contractors
Roads and Highways Minister Kwame Governs Agbodza said the government would only consider companies with proven technical expertise, strong financial capacity and demonstrable experience in delivering infrastructure projects of comparable scale.
He said the procurement process would be competitive, transparent and rigorous, with the government focused on securing quality construction, value for money and timely delivery.
“Ghana must obtain quality, value for money and timely delivery. These principles are non-negotiable,” Mr Agbodza said.
He added that the project should also create lasting capacity in Ghana through skills development, technology transfer and greater participation by local businesses.
Expressway Expected to Boost Ghana’s Economy
President Mahama described the Accra-Kumasi Expressway as a long-overdue infrastructure project, noting that Accra and Kumasi are Ghana’s largest population centres and key hubs for commercial and economic activity.
The new road is expected to improve connectivity, reduce transportation costs, support businesses and strengthen economic activity along the Accra-Kumasi corridor.
The project also forms part of the government’s broader efforts to invest in modern transport infrastructure and national development.
Meanwhile, the Kwasohene, Nana Osei Fosu Adutwum II, commended President Mahama for initiating the expressway project and appealed to Ghanaians to support efforts aimed at developing the country.
He also appealed to the President to consider locating one of the 16 new Senior High Schools (SHSs) planned by the government in Kwaso, noting that the community currently does not have an SHS.
The traditional leader further called for the establishment of a nursing training school in the area, indicating that land was available for the proposed educational project.
Source: newsthemegh.com