Accra–Kumasi Expressway Project: Government, Minority Differ Over Feasibility and Funding
The Accra–Kumasi Expressway Project is a proposed multi-lane, access-controlled expressway designed to link Accra in the Greater Accra Region to Kumasi in the Ashanti Region.
Currently, the two cities are connected by the Accra–Kumasi highway, one of the busiest road corridors in the country, carrying more than 10,000 vehicles daily. Despite its importance, the highway has become increasingly dangerous, earning a reputation as a death trap due to potholes, uneven road surfaces, poor lighting, and frequent accidents.
The road serves as a critical transport artery, linking Accra not only to the Ashanti Region but also to the Bono Regions and all five northern regions, facilitating trade, travel, and economic activity.
Government says the deteriorating condition of the highway is a major reason for embarking on the ambitious expressway project, which aims to improve safety, reduce travel time, and boost economic connectivity between the two cities.
Under the plan, the government intends to construct a six-lane dual-carriage expressway through a concession agreement with Accra–Kumasi Expressway Ltd, a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) created specifically for the project.
Minority Raises Concerns
Members of the Minority caucus in Parliament have expressed concerns about the project, warning that the existing Accra–Kumasi highway—currently in need of rehabilitation—could be neglected if focus shifts entirely to the new expressway.
Speaking on the issue, MP for Ofoase/Ayirebi, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, noted that the project is yet to undergo a feasibility study.
“Contrary to the impression that this project is ready to go, the feasibility has not even been done. My caution to government is to manage the risks very carefully,” he said.
The Ranking Member on the Economy and Development Committee also questioned claims that the project’s financing has been fully secured.
“If both the old highway and the new expressway are going to rely on government funds—especially when revenues are underperforming—we must be careful so that we do not end up with both projects stalled,” he warned.
Government Responds
In response, the Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, dismissed some of the concerns, describing the Big Push initiative as an unprecedented infrastructure programme that deserves national support.
Project Structure and Funding
The Accra–Kumasi Expressway will be executed under a concession agreement between the Republic of Ghana, represented by the Ministry of Roads and Highways, and Accra–Kumasi Expressway Ltd as the concessionaire.
The concessionaire is a wholly owned Special Purpose Vehicle of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF), with board representation from the Ministry of Roads and Highways, the Ministry of Finance, and the Attorney-General’s Department.
Funding for the SPV is expected to come entirely from government budgetary allocations under the Big Push initiative, aimed at accelerating large-scale infrastructure development across the country
