Minister Agbodza Orders Acceleration of Accra-Kumasi Bypass and Suame Interchange Projects

The Minister for Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza, has issued a stern call to contractors to expedite work on critical national infrastructure, specifically targeting the Accra-Kumasi Bypass and the Suame Interchange Project. During a series of site inspections in late September and early October, the Minister emphasized that the government is prioritizing the relief of traffic congestion on Ghana's major transit corridors. A primary immediate goal is to ensure that the perennially congested Konongo section of the Accra-Kumasi highway is made motorable before the upcoming Christmas holidays to facilitate smoother travel for commuters.

Addressing the Accra-Kumasi Bypass project, which recently saw contractors remobilize after nearly two years of inactivity, Minister Agbodza assured persons affected by the construction that outstanding compensation claims would finally be resolved. He explained that the previous hiatus had stalled discussions regarding these payments, but with work now back on track, the government is committed to ensuring all legitimate claimants receive their due. The Minister expressed confidence that, with sustained effort, the various sections of the bypass could reach full completion by the end of 2027, provided contractors maximize their current efforts.

However, the project faces unique technical and local challenges that have slowed progress. Contractors for the Kumasi-Konongo Bypass informed the Minister of significant drainage issues and partial road failures, which they attributed to activities near the Second Chance Church, led by Prophet Stephen Adom Kyei-Duah. These obstructions have reportedly hampered progress in the area, prompting the Ministry to call for better coordination among stakeholders to mitigate such disruptions and ensure that engineering standards are maintained without interference from adjacent properties.

Beyond the Accra-Kumasi corridor, the Minister also directed his attention to the Suame Interchange Project Phase One in the Ashanti Region. Expressing dissatisfaction with the current progress—estimated at only 5% completion—Agbodza described the projected 2028 completion date as unacceptable. He called for the implementation of a "crash program" to accelerate work on the interchange's most critical components. By demanding enhanced coordination and more aggressive construction schedules, the Ministry aims to deliver these vital infrastructure projects well ahead of current projections to support the nation's economic growth and road safety.