The clearing of the right-of-way for the proposed 200-kilometre Accra-Kumasi Expressway is nearing completion, with less than 20 kilometres left to be cleared, the Minister of Roads and Highways, Mr Kwame Governs Agbodza, has disclosed.
He said the completion of the exercise would pave the way for the commencement of actual construction works to realise the government’s vision of improving connectivity between Ghana’s two largest cities.
“We have less than 20km to go. I’m sure we have maybe around 10 to 15 kilometres to hit Kumasi itself,” Mr Agbodza, who is also the Member of Parliament for Adaklu, said on Saturday during a working visit to the Ashanti Region.
He said the importance of the expressway to the socio-economic development and connectivity of Accra and Kumasi could not be underestimated.
Mr Agbodza said the government remained committed to the project while continuing with efforts to dualise the existing Accra-Kumasi corridor.
He commended the Ghana Armed Forces for their professionalism in clearing the right-of-way within the 20-week execution schedule.
The Minister also acknowledged the support and guidance of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, particularly concerning road infrastructure projects within the Kumasi enclave.
He said the Asantehene had previously emphasised the need to complete roads around the Sewua area to support the operationalisation of the Sewua Hospital, which is expected to serve as a regional hospital for the Ashanti Region.
“Since then, the contractor, Kofi Job, has returned to site and is doing very well. As we are told, he’s almost done with one leg of the work, and then the one that is to the right-hand side is where he’ll be working on.
“But we can assure you that he’s going to go ahead and complete the work,” he said.
The Accra-Kumasi Expressway is a major road project expected to improve connectivity between the two cities, reduce travel time and facilitate economic activity along the corridor.
The clearing of the right-of-way commenced in May, and its completion would pave the way for actual construction works on the proposed 120-metre-wide road.
The road is designed to pass through Ablekuma, Adeiso, Asamankese, Akim Oda, Ofoase Ayirebi and Sewua before entering the Kumasi township.
