Government Secures US$1.7bn as Major Highway Project Nears Construction Stage

The government has announced major progress towards the construction of the Accra-Kumasi Expressway, with US$1.7 billion already secured in a dedicated account for the landmark road project.

Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson disclosed during the presentation of the 2026 Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review in Parliament that the expressway remains the flagship project under the government’s Big Push Infrastructure Programme, aimed at transforming Ghana’s transport network.

According to him, the 176-kilometre, six-lane dual carriage expressway will provide a modern transport link between Ghana’s two biggest commercial cities — Accra and Kumasi.

Dr. Forson explained that the project is expected to significantly reduce travel time between the two cities to about two hours, while improving road safety, reducing congestion and lowering transportation costs for businesses and commuters.

He said the highway will feature modern infrastructure, including interchanges, bridges, intelligent transport systems, electronic tolling facilities, emergency response services and rest areas.

Right-of-Way Clearance Progresses

The Finance Minister revealed that significant preparation work has already been completed, with the Ghana Armed Forces clearing 122 kilometres of the project corridor, representing about 70 percent of the required 120-metre-wide Right-of-Way.

The clearance was achieved within 12 weeks, and government expects the entire corridor to be cleared by the first week of September 2026.

He added that compensation assessments, environmental studies, engineering designs and feasibility studies are progressing simultaneously.

The detailed engineering design and feasibility study are expected to be completed by the end of August 2026, paving the way for the commencement of procurement for the main construction contract in September.

Funding Ring-Fenced for Construction

Dr. Forson assured Parliament that funds for the project have been secured and protected from diversion.

“As of 22nd July 2026, US$1.7 billion had been deposited into the dedicated Accra-Kumasi Expressway Account at the Bank of Ghana,” he said.

He explained that the funds will only be accessed after the main construction contract has been awarded.

Government is therefore confident that all requirements will be completed before President John Dramani Mahama officially cuts sod for construction to begin.

Big Push Programme Expands Road Network

The Accra-Kumasi Expressway forms part of government’s wider infrastructure drive, which currently includes road projects across all 16 regions.

Dr. Forson stated that work has commenced on 87 projects, comprising 74 trunk roads and bridges, 10 urban roads and three feeder roads.

He noted that by the end of June 2026, several projects had recorded significant progress, with some achieving more than 75 percent completion.

Expected Economic Impact

The government says the expressway will improve movement of goods and people, strengthen trade between Ghana’s northern and southern corridors, and support economic growth.

Transport operators, businesses and commuters are expected to benefit from reduced travel time, improved road safety and lower vehicle operating costs once the project is completed.

The project is expected to become one of Ghana’s largest transport infrastructure investments in recent years and a key part of efforts to modernise the country’s road network.