President Mahama Presides Over Handover of Right-of-Way for Accra–Kumasi Expressway

President John Dramani Mahama on Monday presided over the formal handover of a 175.6-kilometre cleared right-of-way for the Accra–Kumasi Expressway Project at Kwaso, near Ejisu in the Ashanti Region.

The ceremony marked the completion of a critical preparatory phase of the project, which government officials have described as the single largest capital investment by any administration in Ghana’s history.

The right-of-way was cleared by the 48 Engineer Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), which completed the task in 19 weeks, one week ahead of the original 20-week schedule.

The legally acquired and reserved corridor, required for the construction, operation, maintenance and possible future expansion of the highway, stretches from Ablekuma in the Greater Accra Region to Sewua in the Ashanti Region.

The military engineers cleared dense forest, crossed rivers and streams, and prepared the alignment for the planned 198.7-kilometre expressway.

President Mahama, who received the cleared corridor on behalf of the Government of Ghana, commended the Armed Forces for their efficiency, discipline and commitment to completing the assignment ahead of schedule.

“In 20 weeks, 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,” he said.

The President announced that an initial $2 billion in domestic funds had been secured and deposited at the Bank of Ghana to facilitate the commencement of construction.

He assured that contractors working on the project would not face delays arising from funding constraints.

President Mahama also directed that the 48 Engineer Regiment be engaged as a major subcontractor on the project and indicated plans to confer a national honour on the unit in recognition of its contribution to the preparatory works.

The Minister for Roads and Highways, Governor Kwame Agbodza, stressed that quality, value for money and timely delivery would be non-negotiable in the execution of the project.

He called for the expressway to be constructed to international standards and managed as a long-term national asset.

The Minister for Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to mobilising the full funding required for the project from domestic sources by the end of December 2026.

He said the financing arrangements would be structured without adding to the country’s public debt.

Samuel Bamfo Dankwah, Assistant PRO-ARCC