The government has deposited US$1.7 billion into a dedicated account for the construction of the Accra–Kumasi Expressway, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has disclosed.
Presenting the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review to Parliament on Thursday, July 23, Dr. Forson said the funds had been ring-fenced at the Bank of Ghana and would only be accessed after the main construction contract had been awarded.
“As of 22nd July 2026, US$1.7 billion had been deposited into the dedicated Accra–Kumasi Expressway Account at the Bank of Ghana. The funds have been ring-fenced and will be used only after the main construction contract is awarded,” he told Parliament.
The Finance Minister said the project forms part of the government’s Big Push Programme and is expected to significantly improve road connectivity between Ghana’s two largest commercial cities.
The proposed 176-kilometre, six-lane bidirectional expressway is expected to reduce travel time between Accra and Kumasi to approximately two hours, while improving road safety, easing congestion and reducing transportation costs.
The project will also feature modern interchanges, bridges, intelligent transport systems, electronic tolling facilities, emergency response centres and rest areas.
Dr. Forson said preparations for the project had advanced significantly, with the Ghana Armed Forces clearing 122 kilometres of the 120-metre-wide Right-of-Way as of July 22, 2026.
He said the clearance represents about 70 per cent of the required corridor, with the entire route expected to be cleared by the first week of September 2026.
According to the Finance Minister, compensation assessments, environmental studies, engineering designs and feasibility works are also progressing simultaneously.
He said the feasibility studies and detailed engineering designs are expected to be completed by the end of August, with procurement for the main construction contract scheduled to begin in September 2026.
Dr. Forson said the government was confident that all necessary preparations would be completed ahead of President John Dramani Mahama’s sod-cutting ceremony to officially commence construction.
The Accra–Kumasi Expressway is a major component of the government’s infrastructure expansion agenda and is expected to strengthen trade links, reduce travel delays and boost economic activity along one of Ghana’s busiest transport corridors.
Story by Freedom Etsey Lavoe