By Daniel Bampoe
In a landmark decision that signals a transformative step for Ghana’s transport infrastructure, Parliament has approved a concession agreement for the construction of the Accra–Kumasi Expressway.
The Ministry of Roads and Highways will serve as the Contracting Authority, while Accra–Kumasi Expressway Limited has been appointed the concessionaire responsible for delivering the project.
The approval comes against a backdrop of mounting public frustration over the deteriorating state of the existing Accra–Kumasi highway.
Over the years, commuters have struggled with potholes, uneven road surfaces, and inadequate street lighting, often facing delays and hazardous driving conditions.
Historically, this highway has been one of the busiest arteries, connecting the capital, Accra, to the Ashanti regional capital, Kumasi, and serving as a lifeline for commerce and travel.
Addressing Parliament, Minister for Roads and Highways, Governs Agbodza, emphasized that the expressway is designed to complement—not replace—the existing highway.
“There’s no road in Ghana that is more important than the road between Accra and Kumasi. We are constructing an alternative route that will provide faster, safer, and more reliable travel,” he said.
The Minister also highlighted compliance with ECOWAS and African Union protocols, noting that tolling on the new expressway is permissible as long as a free alternative remains available.
The ambitious project involves constructing a six-lane dual carriageway, a move expected to significantly reduce travel time, enhance road safety, and provide an efficient corridor for commercial and private traffic alike.
Parliamentarians have lauded the potential economic benefits of the project, which could stimulate trade, improve logistics, and reduce the operational costs of transporting goods between the two major cities.
During deliberations on the Road and Transport Committee’s report, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Member of Parliament for Ofoase-Ayirebi, raised concerns over potential neglect of the existing highway during construction.
He reminded government officials that the old Accra–Kumasi road is also a Government of Ghana (GoG) asset funded through the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF).
“We must ensure that maintenance, lighting, and other critical works on the existing highway continue even as we pursue this new project,” Nkrumah stressed.
