By: Benjamin Nii Nai Anyetei
Parliament has approved a concession agreement between the Ministry of Roads and Highways and Accra-Kumasi Expressway Limited for the construction of the Accra–Kumasi Expressway.
The agreement grants Accra-Kumasi Expressway Limited concessionaire rights to develop the project, which government says is critical due to the deteriorated condition of the existing Accra–Kumasi highway. The road is currently plagued by potholes, uneven surfaces and inadequate lighting, making it highly unsafe for motorists and commuters.
Government plans to construct a six-lane dual carriage expressway along the stretch to improve safety, reduce travel time and enhance economic activity between the southern and middle belts of the country.
Contributing to the debate on the report of Parliament’s Roads and Transport Committee, the Member of Parliament for Ofoase-Ayirebi, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, cautioned government against neglecting the existing Accra–Kumasi highway while pursuing the new expressway project.
He noted that the expressway project is Government of Ghana (GoG)-funded through the Ghana Infrastructure Fund (GIF), describing the financing framework as innovative and commercially viable. However, he stressed that both the new expressway and the existing highway draw funding from government sources, raising concerns about sustainability.
According to Mr Oppong Nkrumah, the ongoing Accra–Kumasi highway project is between 60 and 70 per cent complete but is facing challenges with payment servicing. He warned that the funding sources earmarked for the expressway could further strain resources needed to complete the existing road.
“The one we are struggling to pay for is about 60 to 70 per cent complete, and the same sources of funding are expected to support this new project. It is important that while pursuing the expressway, the old Accra–Kumasi road is not left hanging,” he said.
He added that the existing road still requires critical work, including lighting installations and the completion of about 35 to 40 per cent of construction. He therefore urged government to proceed cautiously to avoid a situation where both projects stall due to funding constraints, especially at a time when projected revenues have not been fully realised.
Despite the concerns raised, Parliament’s approval clears the way for the commencement of the Accra–Kumasi Expressway project, which is expected to significantly improve road safety and connectivity along one of Ghana’s busiest transport corridors.
