By Ebenezer Adu-Gyamfi / Emmanuel Ayiku | Reporting for Ghanaian News Canada April 12, 2026
The Government of Ghana has secured crucial traditional support for the construction of the Accra–Kumasi Expressway, as the Ghana Armed Forces begins initial works on the long-anticipated infrastructure project.
The development follows a high-level engagement with Otumfuo Nana Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, whose endorsement is seen as pivotal to the smooth execution of the project, particularly in areas under traditional authority.
The expressway, a major component of the government’s infrastructure agenda, is expected to span approximately 198.7 kilometres, linking Accra to Kumasi, and significantly reducing travel time between the two economic hubs.
A joint delegation comprising officials from the Ministry of Roads and Highways, the Ministry of Defence, and the Ghana Armed Forces briefed the Asantehene at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, outlining the scope, timeline, and strategic importance of the project.
According to officials, the Ghana Armed Forces will lead the initial phase of the project, focusing on clearing the right of way along the designated corridor. This phase involves clearing approximately 80 kilometres of greenfield land within the Ashanti Region as part of a broader 175-kilometre stretch earmarked for preparatory works.
The military-led intervention is expected to pave the way for full-scale construction, with authorities indicating that work could commence in earnest following the completion of the clearing process.
The Minister for Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza, explained that the expressway is designed as a six-lane, access-controlled route intended to provide a faster alternative to the existing Accra–Kumasi highway.
“This is to give a freeway where commuters can travel between Accra and Kumasi in about two hours,” he noted, adding that the alignment has been carefully selected to avoid densely populated communities and accelerate construction timelines.
The project is also expected to incorporate exit points to connect surrounding areas, ensuring accessibility while maintaining the efficiency of a high-speed corridor.
Officials further indicated that affected landowners and farmers will be compensated in accordance with Ghanaian law, as the government moves to acquire land through appropriate legal processes.
In addition to the expressway, the Roads Minister assured the Asantehene that ongoing infrastructure projects, including the dualisation of the existing highway, would not be abandoned, emphasizing a broader commitment to improving Ghana’s transport network.
The Asantehene welcomed the initiative, describing it as a significant step toward national development. However, he urged the government to adhere strictly to project timelines to ensure timely completion.
“All these projects are geared towards national development,” he said, while calling for dedication from both government officials and contractors to deliver a durable and sustainable road.
He further stressed the importance of funding certainty and contractor efficiency, urging authorities to ensure that the project does not suffer delays common to large-scale infrastructure initiatives.
The Asantehene also pledged his support, indicating his readiness to engage traditional leaders within affected communities to facilitate cooperation and smooth implementation.
“I will have chiefs called so I speak to them,” he stated, signaling a collaborative approach between government and traditional authorities.
The Accra–Kumasi Expressway is widely regarded as a transformative project that could reshape transportation, trade, and economic activity in Ghana by improving connectivity between the southern and middle belts of the country.
Experts say the success of the project will depend not only on funding and execution but also on effective coordination between government institutions, local communities, and traditional leaders.
As initial works commence, attention is now focused on whether the project can meet its ambitious timeline and deliver on its promise to modernize Ghana’s road infrastructure.
