Government secures $1.7bn for Accra-Kumasi Expressway

The Government of Ghana has deposited US$1.7 billion into a dedicated account at the Bank of Ghana to finance the construction of the Accra-Kumasi Expressway, one of the flagship projects under the Big Push Infrastructure Programme.

Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson announced the development while presenting the 2026 Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review to Parliament on Thursday, describing it as a major milestone toward the delivery of one of Ghana's most ambitious road infrastructure projects.

According to Dr Forson, the funds were deposited into a dedicated Accra-Kumasi Expressway Account at the Bank of Ghana on July 22, 2026, and have been ring-fenced exclusively for the project.

He assured Parliament that the money would only be accessed after the main construction contract has been awarded.

"As of 22nd July 2026, US$1.7 billion had been deposited into the dedicated Accra-Kumasi Expressway Account at the Bank of Ghana."

"The funds have been ring-fenced and will be used only after the main construction contract is awarded," the Finance Minister stated.

The move is intended to ensure that financing is secured before construction begins and to provide confidence in the government's commitment to completing the project.

Dr Forson disclosed that preparatory work on the project is progressing steadily.

He said:

• Feasibility studies are expected to be completed by the end of August 2026.
• Detailed engineering designs will also be finalised by the end of August.
• Procurement for the main construction contract is scheduled to commence in September 2026.

According to the Minister, the government is confident that all technical and administrative requirements will be completed in time for President John Dramani Mahama to officially cut the sod for construction.

"Government is therefore confident that all the requirements for this transformational project will be in place when His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama cuts the sod for construction to begin," he said.

The Finance Minister described the 176-kilometre, six-lane dual carriageway as the flagship infrastructure project under the government's Big Push Infrastructure Programme.

The modern expressway will connect Ghana's two largest cities—Accra and Kumasi—and is expected to significantly improve transportation efficiency.

According to Dr Forson, the project will:

• Reduce travel time between Accra and Kumasi to approximately two hours.
• Improve road safety.
• Ease traffic congestion.
• Lower transportation and logistics costs.
• Enhance connectivity between major economic centres.

The expressway will incorporate several modern transport features designed to improve efficiency and safety.

These include:

• Modern interchanges.
• Bridges.
• Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS).
• Electronic toll collection.
• Emergency response facilities.
• Rest areas for motorists.

Government believes these additions will improve the overall travel experience while supporting economic growth and trade.

Dr Forson also provided an update on land preparation for the project.

He revealed that the Ghana Armed Forces have cleared approximately 122 kilometres of the project's 120-metre-wide Right-of-Way, representing about 70 percent of the required corridor, within just 12 weeks.

The remaining section is expected to be cleared by early September 2026.

Meanwhile, several other preparatory activities are progressing simultaneously, including:

• Compensation assessments.
• Environmental impact studies.
• Detailed engineering designs.
• Feasibility assessments.

The Accra-Kumasi Expressway forms a central part of the government's strategy to modernise Ghana's transport infrastructure and improve connectivity between key commercial and industrial hubs.

Under the Big Push Infrastructure Programme, the project is expected to facilitate faster movement of goods and people, reduce logistics costs, stimulate private sector investment and support long-term economic growth.

Once completed, the expressway is expected to become one of Ghana's most significant transport corridors, improving national mobility while strengthening economic integration across the country.