KWASO, Ghana, 14th September: The Minister of Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, has commended the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) for successfully completing the clearance of 175.6 kilometres of the right-of-way for the proposed Accra-Kumasi Expressway.
The clearance exercise, which represents the full 175.6-kilometre corridor designated for the project, marks a major preparatory milestone towards the development of the long-awaited expressway.
Speaking at a ceremony at Kwaso in the Ashanti Region to mark the completion of the exercise, Hon. Agbodza expressed appreciation to the Ghana Armed Forces for undertaking the preparatory works and completing the assignment.
He said the successful completion demonstrated the important role the military could play in supporting major national development projects.
“Your Excellency, I want to thank the Ghana Armed Forces and I know those who feel the military can’t do this, we are very grateful you have done it and it is finished,” he said.
The Minister described the Accra-Kumasi Expressway as one of the most consequential transport projects in Ghana’s history, stressing that the project was central to government’s plans to modernise the country’s infrastructure.
He said the expressway is intended to improve mobility between Accra and Kumasi, reduce travel time and logistics costs, enhance road safety and facilitate the movement of people, goods and services.
The Adaklu MP explained that the project is part of President John Dramani Mahama’s Big Push infrastructure programme, which seeks to move away from fragmented infrastructure interventions towards strategic investments capable of unlocking economic activity.
He said roads provided the platform for agriculture, trade, industry, tourism and social development and must therefore be planned as part of a wider national economic strategy.
He disclosed that government has established Accra-Kumasi Expressway Limited as a dedicated Special Purpose Vehicle under the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF).
The company, he said, will be responsible for driving the development, financing, construction, operation and maintenance of the expressway.
According to him, the institutional arrangement is intended to ensure clear accountability and professional long-term management of the project.
He said the project has also entered the procurement phase, with the SPV advancing international competitive pre-qualification.
Hon. Agbodza said government is looking for firms with strong technical and financial capacity and demonstrable experience in projects of comparable scale and complexity.
“The process must be competitive, transparent and rigorous. Ghana must obtain quality, value for money and timely delivery. These principles are non-negotiable,” he said.
He added that the project must also leave behind significant capacity within Ghana through the participation of local engineers, contractors, consultants, suppliers, artisans and young professionals.
He said government expects the project to promote skills transfer, technology transfer and meaningful participation by Ghanaian businesses without compromising the technical, financial and safety standards required.
Hon. Agbodza also introduced the Managing Director of Accra-Kumasi Expressway Limited, Engineer Francis Ahlidza, describing him as a professional with more than two decades of experience in Ghana’s road and transport sector.
He said Mr Ahlidza had previously served as Director of Monitoring and Evaluation at the Ministry of Roads and Highways and as a Road Fund Coordinator, in addition to holding several national and regional advisory roles.
He said the Managing Director’s combination of civil engineering expertise, financing knowledge and engineering management training will be valuable to the project.
Hon. Agbodza further disclosed that the Managing Director is supported by a management board comprising experienced professionals with expertise in various fields.
He said the completion of the right-of-way clearance had provided an important foundation for the next phase of the expressway project.
“The task ahead is demanding but the direction is clear. We must build for the Ghana of the next generation, not only for the traffic of today,” he said.
The Minister said the Accra-Kumasi Expressway offered Ghana an opportunity to build a safer, faster and more productive national corridor while setting a higher standard for the planning, financing and delivery of major infrastructure projects.
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh(#RomeoWrites✍️)/ Presidential Affairs Correspondent | Ghana 🇬🇭