President Mahama Receives 175km Right-of-Way for Accra-Kumasi Expressway, Pledges $2 Billion Non-Debt Funding

President John Mahama has formally received a 175.6-kilometre cleared right-of-way for the Accra-Kumasi Expressway, marking a pivotal milestone in what officials describe as the largest capital investment in Ghana's history. During a handover ceremony at Kwaso in the Ashanti Region, the President commended the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) 48 Engineer Regiment for completing the clearing task in just 19 weeks—one week ahead of schedule. The project, a flagship component of the government's "Big Push" infrastructure initiative, envisions a modern six-lane, 198.7-kilometre highway that will significantly reduce the travel distance between Ghana's two largest cities and cut commute times to approximately two hours. Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson confirmed that the $2 billion project will be fully funded using domestic taxpayer resources, with funds already secured in a special account at the Bank of Ghana to ensure prompt payments without external borrowing. This fiscal strategy aims to insulate the national debt while creating over 30,000 jobs during the three-year construction phase. Roads and Highways Minister Kwame Agbodza has emphasized that the expressway must meet international standards to serve as a long-term economic asset, while Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene urged national support, describing the project as essential for addressing chronic traffic congestion and enhancing urban connectivity. In a move highlighting the integration of national security and development, President Mahama announced that the GAF Engineers Regiment would serve as a major sub-contractor for the construction and will also be tasked with clearing the right-of-way for the Greater Accra Ring Road. To honor their efficiency, the regiment is set to receive the Order of the Volta during Ghana's 70th Independence anniversary celebrations. Beyond road transport, the expressway design includes a reserved corridor for a future railway line, reflecting a multi-modal approach to national infrastructure development. The infrastructure drive extends beyond the central corridor. During his "Resetting Ghana" tour, President Mahama also inspected the site for a new Upper West Regional Airport in Wa, confirming that funding is secured for a modern facility to replace the outdated airstrip. Coupled with a pledge to improve the Upper West road network by 2027, these initiatives signal a comprehensive effort to decentralize development and improve connectivity nationwide. Ground-breaking for the Accra-Kumasi Expressway is expected before Christmas, positioning the project as a cornerstone of the administration's economic revitalization strategy.