By Celestine Avi and Seth
President John Dramani Mahama has announced that $2 billion has been set aside to finance the construction of the Accra-Kumasi Expressway, with the funds already available in a special account at the Bank of Ghana.
Speaking at the formal handover of the cleared right-of-way for the project at Kwaso near Ejisu in the Ashanti Region, President Mahama said the availability of funds would ensure that financing does not become a challenge once construction begins.
GAF completes 175.6km right-of-way clearance
President Mahama commended the Ghana Armed Forces for completing the 175.6-kilometre right-of-way clearance in 19 weeks, one week ahead of the 20-week deadline.
He said the cleared corridor stretches from Ablekuma in the Greater Accra Region to Sewua in the Ashanti Region, passing through forests, rivers and streams.
The President described the achievement as “mission accomplished” and announced that the Engineer Regiments of the Ghana Armed Forces would be honoured at the next National Honours to mark Ghana’s 70th Independence anniversary.
198.7km six-lane expressway
The President said the cleared corridor forms part of the preparatory works for the 198.7-kilometre Accra-Kumasi Expressway, which will be a six-lane highway.
According to him, the new alignment will reduce the distance between Accra and Kumasi by almost 70 kilometres compared to the existing 270-kilometre route.
He said the expressway is expected to significantly reduce travel time between the two cities, with motorists potentially completing the journey in about two hours at an average speed of 100 kilometres per hour.
Project to feature eight interchanges and four rest stops
President Mahama said the expressway will have eight interchanges and four rest stops, allowing motorists to access adjoining communities and take breaks during long journeys.
The service areas will provide facilities including fuel stations, food outlets and shopping facilities.
He also announced plans for tow trucks and CCTV cameras along the route to improve road safety and respond quickly to breakdowns and reckless driving.
$2bn financing secured
President Mahama said the Minister of Finance has set aside $2 billion for the project, with the funds currently held in a special account at the Bank of Ghana.
He said the money is not borrowed funds but comes from Ghanaian taxpayers.
The President added that the full amount is expected to be available by the end of the year, assuring that funding would not be a problem once construction begins.
GAF to participate in construction
President Mahama also directed the Minister of Roads and Highways to incorporate the Ghana Armed Forces’ Engineer Regiment as a major subcontractor to the main contractor for the expressway.
He said the military engineers would also be deployed to begin clearing the right-of-way for the Greater Accra Orbital.
The President further tasked the Ghana Armed Forces with installing steel bridges at locations identified by the Ministry of Roads and Highways across the country.
Contractor selection underway
President Mahama disclosed that Government has invited expressions of interest from companies interested in constructing the expressway.
He said the process will be followed by pre-qualification and the selection of a contractor.
The President expressed the expectation that the Government would return to Kwaso before the end of the year to break ground for construction to begin.
A broader transport vision
President Mahama said the Accra-Kumasi Expressway forms part of a broader vision to connect Ghana’s major economic centres with modern transport corridors.
He said Government plans to extend expressway development from Accra towards the northern parts of the country while advancing work on the Eastern and Western Corridors.
He also announced plans to leave space along the Accra-Kumasi Expressway for a future rail line linking Accra and Kumasi.
Expressway to link major orbitals
The President said the Accra-Kumasi Expressway will connect the Ashanti Orbital, also known as the Kumasi Outer Ring Road, with the planned Greater Accra Orbital.
He said the interconnected road network would allow heavy trucks travelling across the country to bypass the major cities and continue their journeys without passing through city centres.
President Mahama said the development of efficient transport corridors is critical to opening up the country, facilitating the movement of goods and people, and stimulating economic growth.
He said the Accra-Kumasi Expressway represents the beginning of a new era in Ghana’s road infrastructure and expressed the hope that successive governments would continue the vision.
Ghana Armed Forces commended
President Mahama commended the Ministers of Roads and Highways, Finance and Defence, as well as the military high command and Engineer Corps, for their contribution to the project.
He also thanked chiefs, traditional rulers, farmers and landowners along the right-of-way for their cooperation during the clearance exercise.
He said Government would return to Kwaso before Christmas to break ground for the construction of the Accra-Kumasi Expressway, describing the occasion as a special Christmas present for the traditional authorities and the people of Ghana.
