The Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), Lieutenant General William Agyapong, paid a working
visit on Thursday, 30 April 2026, to Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) engineers currently clearing
land for the government’s Accra-Kumasi Expressway project.
Operating from their campsite in Asuboa, near Akim Oda in the Eastern Region, troops
drawn from GAF engineering units are clearing greenfields within the designated corridors
of the expressway. The visit was intended to evaluate operational progress and ensure that
activities align with established timelines.
Briefing the CDS, the Project Engineer, Major (Maj) Evans Biney, noted that their mission is
to clear the right-of-way within the designated 175.6-kilometer corridor. He added that this
clearing, along with other ancillary works, constitutes a critical phase of the project aimed at
improving the project’s feasibility and supporting initial and detailed engineering design
studies.
Maj Biney further explained that four work gangs are expected to undertake the task along
the entire length of the corridor, working day and night. As of the visit, 17.75km had been
cleared during the mobilization phase. He assured the CDS that with funding secured and
most equipment on-site, clearing would be completed within the 20-week timeline, effective
23 April 2026.
However, Maj Biney pointed out that heavy rains, dense vegetation, limited night visibility,
and the lengthy compensation valuation process are key challenges that could slow
progress. Despite these anticipated hurdles, he remained optimistic about meeting the
deadline.
Project Coordinator Maj Edem Anku noted that all administrative and logistical requirements
are in place for the project’s smooth delivery, adding that troops are well-poised for the task.
He stated that the project team has maintained constructive dialogue with traditional
authorities in Asuboa and surrounding areas, fostering a cordial working relationship.
Additionally, he disclosed that, as part of civil-military cooperation, local arrangements are
underway to engage youth in the catchment area for minor site roles and administrative
support as needed.
The CDS toured two sites to assess progress and engage with troops on the ground. He
commended personnel for their dedication, urging them to sustain momentum to ensure
timely completion. He reiterated the project’s strategic importance, noting that history will
remember the gallant role GAF played in supporting this critical national development. He
also interacted with residents affected by the project, assuring them of the government’s
commitment to fair compensation.
The CDS was accompanied by staff officers from General Headquarters and the
Commanding Officer of the Jungle Warfare School, Achiase, Lieutenant Colonel Speratus
Anglaamwine Baninyeni.
The Accra-Kumasi Expressway is designed to connect the Greater Accra, Eastern, and
Ashanti Regions through key communities including Ablekuma, Adiembra, Adeiso,
Asamankese, Anamase, Akim Oda, Ayirebi, Ofoase, Enikawkaw, Gyadamua, Asante
Achiase, Kwaso, and Sawua.
Source: GAF