By: Jessica Korkor Oman
The Minister of Finance, Cassiel Ato Baah Forson has assured that the full amount required for the construction of the Accra-Kumasi Expressway will be available by December 31, 2026, with government committing to undertake the project without borrowing.
According to the Finance Minister, the decision forms part of efforts to ensure responsible spending while delivering critical national infrastructure.
He said the Ghana Air Force’s involvement in the preparatory works demonstrated its capacity to contribute to national development beyond its traditional security responsibilities.
“I saw the potential of the Ghana Air Force to support national infrastructure development beyond their core security mandate,” he said.
He explained that following discussions with the Minister for Roads and Highways, a proposal was presented to President John Dramani Mahama, who subsequently gave the project his full support.
The Minister commended the Ghana Air Force for completing its assignment professionally and ahead of schedule, describing the force as not only defenders of Ghana’s sovereignty but also trusted partners in national development.
He said the completion of the current phase would pave the way for an expressway expected to reduce travel time and transportation costs, improve road safety and raise the standard of infrastructure delivery in the country.
“As your Minister for Finance, I want to use this opportunity to assure the nation that the entire amount needed for the construction of this expressway will be ready by 31st December 2026 For the avoidance of doubt, we will not borrow a pesewa for this construction,” he said.
The Minister also disclosed that the newly appointed Acting Director-General of the Value for Money Office under the Ministry of Finance would subject the expressway project to scrutiny.
He said the office would make the project its first major task to ensure that public funds were properly utilised.
“The office will scrutinise the project to ensure that every cost is justified and every cedi delivers value,” he stated.
The Minister said the project reflected President Mahama’s commitment to building infrastructure while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
“Your Excellency, you have shown that Ghana can build boldly and spend responsibly. This expressway would turn that principle into a road that serves generations yet unborn,” he said.
