US$2 Billion Ready for Accra–Kumasi Expressway- President Mahama Announces

Government has secured US$2 billion in a special account at the Bank of Ghana to finance the construction of the long-awaited Accra-Kumasi Expressway, assuring Ghanaians that funding will not delay the project, President John Dramani Mahama has announced.

Speaking at the handing over of the completed right-of-way for the 198.7-kilometre expressway, the President said the money had been set aside by the Ministry of Finance and would ensure that contractors are paid promptly once construction begins.

“When this project starts, money is not going to be the problem. All certificates presented by the contractor will be paid instantly,” he said.

President Mahama stressed that the expressway would be financed with Ghana’s own resources rather than external borrowing.

“This is our own money. We have not gone to borrow money from anywhere. This money belongs to the taxpayers of Ghana,” he stated.

He disclosed that the Ministry of Finance expects to complete the full financing package before the end of the year, paving the way for the commencement of construction.

The President said the six-lane expressway would shorten the current 270-kilometre journey between Accra and Kumasi to 198.7 kilometres, reducing travel time from five to six hours to about two hours at the recommended speed of 120 kilometres per hour.

He explained that the project would include eight interchanges, four modern rest stops, CCTV surveillance, emergency tow truck services and toll interchanges at both ends to ensure efficient operation and long-term sustainability.

President Mahama noted that an Expression of Interest had already been advertised, with interested firms given four weeks to apply before the prequalification and contractor selection process begins.

He expressed optimism that Government would return to Kwaso before Christmas to cut the sod for construction.

The President described the expressway as the beginning of a new era in Ghana’s transport infrastructure, adding that improved road corridors would stimulate trade, facilitate the movement of goods and passengers, and strengthen national economic growth

Richard Aniagyei, ISD