Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has outlined major details of the new Accra–Kumasi Expressway, describing it as a transformative national infrastructure project that will boost mobility, reduce transport costs and support the 24-Hour Economy.
Presenting the 2026 Budget Statement to Parliament on Thursday, November 13, he said the expressway is a flagship project under the Big Push Infrastructure Programme.
“Mr. Speaker, a flagship of the Big Push Infrastructure Programme is the Accra-Kumasi Expressway Project, Ghana’s first modern six-lane bi-directional Class A Expressway,” Dr. Forson said.
The 198.7-kilometre expressway will run from Accra to Kumasi through the Eastern Region, providing a new alignment that shortens the current distance by more than 50 kilometres.
“The Accra-Kumasi Expressway, which is on a new alignment, will reduce current travel distance by over 50 kilometres, from 250 kilometres to 198.7 kilometres,” he noted.
He added that the new route is “expected to halve travel time between Accra and Kumasi, reduce transport costs by nearly 40 percent.”
The project is also expected to generate large-scale employment during construction.
“The Accra-Kumasi Expressway project alone is expected to create over 30,000 direct and indirect jobs during construction,” he said.
Dr. Forson explained that beyond improving mobility, the expressway is designed to stimulate business activity along the corridor.
“It will stimulate industrial parks, logistics hubs, and service economies along its route, powering the 24-Hour Economy and strengthening Ghana’s competitiveness.”
The six-lane highway will feature eight major interchanges at Accra Hub, Adeiso, Asamankese, Akyem Oda, Ofoase, Lake Bosomtwe and Kumasi, as well as three major bridges over the Birim and Pra Rivers.
The expressway will also include full-service areas equipped with emergency medical facilities, fire stations, rescue centres, rest stops, fuel stations, EV charging points and parking spaces. “All these facilities will operate 24 hours in line with our 24-Hour Economy programme,” the minister added.
Two modern 20-lane toll plazas — the Accra Main-line and Kumasi Main-line — will use automated systems for efficient toll collection and reduced delays.
Dr. Forson highlighted the project as one of the most ambitious road developments in Ghana’s history, expected to significantly reshape travel and economic activity across the southern and middle belts.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
