Roads Minister Outlines Vision for Accra–Kumasi Expressway

The Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Govern Agbodza, has described the planned Accra–Kumasi Expressway as one of the most consequential transport projects in Ghana’s history, stating that it is not simply another road project but a strategic national corridor designed to transform mobility and logistics between the country’s two largest urban centres.

The Minister said the expressway sits at the heart of the President’s Big Push Infrastructure Agenda, which seeks to move beyond fragmented interventions and deliberately invest in infrastructure that unlocks economic activity, connects production centres to markets, supports the 24‑hour economy, creates jobs and raises productivity.

He made this statement during the handing-over ceremony of the right‑of‑way of the Accra–Kumasi Expressway to government at Kwaso on Monday.

Mr Agbodza explained that the existing N6 highway has carried a disproportionate share of national traffic for decades, and incremental widening alone cannot meet future demand.

“Ghana needs a long‑term network strategy that separates through traffic from local traffic, builds redundancy into our national road system and gives businesses a more predictable logistics environment,” he said.

According to him, the new expressway will be designed for controlled access and high‑speed intercity movement, built to international standards and managed as a long‑term national asset.

“To ensure effective delivery, the government has established Accra–Kumasi Expressway Limited, a special purpose vehicle under the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund, tasked with financing, construction, operation and maintenance of the project,” he stated.

The Minister noted that procurement will be competitive, transparent and rigorous, targeting technically capable and financially strong firms with experience in projects of this scale.

He added that the project must deliver value for money, timely completion and lasting capacity for Ghanaian engineers, contractors, consultants, suppliers and young professionals through skills and technology transfer.

He said the expressway will connect intelligently with other strategic projects, including the emerging Kumasi Outer Ring Road, and assured traditional leaders that stalled sections of the existing Accra–Kumasi Highway will also be completed by the end of 2027.

The Minister acknowledged the leadership and support behind the initiative, commending President Mahama for his clear infrastructure vision, the finance minister for securing substantial funding, and the Ghana Armed Forces for their role in preparatory works.

He also recognised the contributions of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund, sector agencies, and the cooperation of communities and stakeholders to the project’s success.

Introducing the Managing Director of Accra–Kumasi Expressway Limited, Engineer Francis Ahlidja, the Minister disclosed his 20 years of experience in Ghana’s road sector, combining civil engineering expertise with financing and management training.

He was confident that the leadership team would deliver the project to the highest technical and safety standards.

“The task ahead is demanding, but the direction is clear. We must build for the Ghana of the next generation, not only for the traffic of today. The Accra–Kumasi Expressway allows us to do exactly that, to build a safer, faster and more productive national corridor,” the Minister concluded.

Margaret Adjeley Sowah, ISD