Minister Agbodza Hails Accra-Kumasi Expressway as President Mahama’s Legacy Project Amid Contractor Accountability Push

The Minister for Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza, has positioned the Accra-Kumasi Expressway as the hallmark of President John Mahama’s infrastructure legacy, likening its potential impact to the generational interventions of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. Following the successful clearing of the right-of-way by the Ghana Armed Forces, the government is now transitioning into the detailed design and contractor procurement phases. The Ghana Institute of Governance and Security (GIGS) has lauded the military's disciplined involvement in the project, suggesting that the government consider granting the Armed Forces full responsibility for the remaining phases to ensure speed and effective coordination.

To safeguard the delivery of this expressway and other projects under the government’s "Big Push" programme, Minister Agbodza has introduced a strict culture of contractor accountability. During an inspection tour of the Northern Region, the Minister issued a stern warning that firms failing to meet project deadlines risk exclusion from all future government contracts. He further directed contractors to maintain regular construction schedules during official visits, emphasizing that work should only cease if safety is at risk. Agbodza criticized the practice of halting routine activities like dust control for visiting dignitaries, insisting that officials should be treated as ordinary citizens to prevent unnecessary disruptions to project timelines.

Significant progress is also being reported across various regional projects, including the Tamale Outer Ring Road, which is slated for completion by the end of 2027. This project is viewed as a critical driver for mobility and investment in one of West Africa’s fastest-growing cities. Meanwhile, in the Upper West Region, the Chiefs of Tumu have acknowledged the improvements on the Wa-Tumu Road, which now allows for same-day travel between the two towns. In a symbolic gesture of accountability, the Tumu Traditional Council presented President Mahama with a traditional smock but announced they would withhold the ceremonial hat until the road is fully completed and commissioned, a milestone the government aims to reach by late 2026.

Despite what the Minister described as challenging economic conditions inherited from the previous administration, the government maintains that its financial investment in road infrastructure is unprecedented. Notable advancements have been recorded in the Bono, Upper West, Upper East, and Northern regions. Agbodza has urged all contractors to maintain their current momentum, stating that the ultimate goal is to leave a lasting infrastructure mark that serves future generations, drawing parallels to historic achievements like the Tema Motorway.