President John Dramani Mahama will on Monday, September 14, 2026, formally receive 175.6 kilometres of cleared right-of-way for the Accra-Kumasi Expressway. This significant handover at Kwaso, near Ejisu in the Ashanti Region, marks a crucial preparatory milestone for the 198.7-kilometre highway.
Engineers from the Ghana Armed Forces completed the land clearance, removing a major physical obstacle to construction. The right-of-way refers to the legally acquired land reserved for the road's construction, operation, and future expansion. This cleared corridor paves the way for the actual building phase of Ghana's first modern six-lane, bi-directional Class A expressway.
This expressway is a cornerstone of the government's 'Big Push' infrastructure programme, designed to stimulate economic activity and improve national connectivity. The project aims to reduce the current Accra-Kumasi distance from approximately 250 kilometres to 198.7 kilometres. It is also projected to halve travel time between the two major cities and cut transport costs by nearly 40 percent, significantly boosting trade and commerce.
Parliament's Roads and Transport Committee has consistently highlighted this project as a national infrastructure priority. The Finance Minister has confirmed that the expressway will be entirely government-funded under the 'Big Push' initiative. This commitment underscores the government's focus on strategic investments to drive economic growth and efficiency.
The new expressway will feature major interchanges, service areas, bridges, and automated tolling facilities. Its route will traverse the Greater Accra, Eastern, and Ashanti Regions, impacting numerous communities and businesses. This extensive network of infrastructure aims to enhance road safety and reduce congestion on existing routes.
The project is expected to generate more than 30,000 direct and indirect jobs during its construction phase. This significant job creation will provide economic opportunities for many Ghanaians across various skill levels. The three-year completion period suggests a rapid deployment of resources and labour.
For motorists, businesses, and communities along the vital Accra-Kumasi corridor, this handover signals a decisive shift from planning to tangible construction. The reduction in travel time and transport costs will directly benefit logistics companies, farmers, and traders. It will also improve access to markets and services for citizens in the affected regions.
The government views this expressway as one of Ghana's most significant infrastructure investments in recent decades. Its successful completion will serve as a benchmark for future large-scale public works. Stakeholders will closely monitor the project's financing, execution, and timely delivery to ensure its promised economic benefits materialise.