Nana Yaw Adutwum calls for private capital for $2bn Accra-Kumasi expressway

Dr. Nana Yaw Adutwum, the Director of Policy for the United Party (UP), has called on the government to involve private investors in financing the $2 billion Accra-Kumasi Expressway project. Adutwum argued that by utilizing private capital for large-scale infrastructure, the state could redirect its existing public funds to settle outstanding debts, particularly the arrears and allowances owed to the nation's educators. He expressed concern that the government is committing such a significant sum of public money while critical payments for teachers remain unresolved.

The UP policy director specifically highlighted that many teachers are still waiting for promotion arrears and deprived area allowances. He criticized the decision to prioritize over $2 billion for the expressway construction over these pressing financial obligations. This call for a shift in funding strategy comes at a sensitive time for the education sector, as three major teachers' unions recently suspended a strike action following negotiations with the Council of State regarding their welfare and payments.

While Adutwum commended the general objectives of the expressway project, he suggested that alternative financing models are necessary to alleviate the current financial pressure on the treasury. He argued that involving the private sector would allow the government to address the immediate needs of workers without abandoning strategic infrastructure goals. By shifting the $2 billion burden away from the public purse, he believes the government can more effectively manage its labor relations and ensure that educators are fairly compensated for their service.

The proposal underscores a growing debate on the use of public-private partnerships to bridge Ghana's infrastructure gap without compromising social spending. Adutwum’s position emphasizes that human capital and the fulfillment of labor contracts should be prioritized alongside national development projects. The government has not yet issued a formal response to the suggestion of seeking private investment to replace the current public funding model for the expressway.