The Government of Ghana has engaged the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to secure support and cooperation from traditional authorities as it prepares to clear an 80-kilometre stretch of greenfield land in the Ashanti Region for the proposed Accra–Kumasi Expressway.
The request was made during a joint courtesy call by delegations from the Ministry of Roads and Highways and the Ministry of Defence at the Manhyia Palace on Friday.
Deputy Minister for Defence, Ernest Brogya Genfi, appealed to the Asantehene to facilitate engagement with chiefs in affected communities, noting that the clearance exercise will impact farmlands and illegal mining sites.
“The entire project spans 198.7 kilometres, with 80 kilometres located within the Ashanti Region. That stretch is critical as it includes farms and illegal mining areas. We are here to seek Otumfuo’s blessings and intervention to ensure cooperation from chiefs within the affected areas,” he said.
Military to lead clearance
The Director of Engineering Services of the Ghana Armed Forces, Jonas Wiafe, disclosed that the military will spearhead the initial phase of the project, which involves clearing the designated right of way.
He indicated that the exercise is scheduled to begin next week and will cover approximately 80 kilometres from Gyadamuwa and Banka to Kwaso in the Ashanti Region.
“We will begin clearing the route next week according to schedule. Camps will be established at Gyadamuwa and Banka, and we will clear up to Kwaso, although the road itself will terminate at Sewua,” he said.
He added that the military will work alongside valuers and physical planning officers to document affected farmers to facilitate compensation.
Flagship infrastructure project
Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, described the Accra–Kumasi Expressway as a flagship initiative under the government’s infrastructure agenda aimed at improving connectivity between Accra and Kumasi.
He explained that the six-lane expressway three lanes in each direction will provide a high-speed alternative route that bypasses communities and reduces travel time between the two cities to approximately two hours.
“The idea is to create a freeway system where motorists who do not need to stop along the route can travel directly between Accra and Kumasi within a shorter time frame,” he said.
Mr. Agbodza further assured that the project will not affect ongoing dualisation works on the existing Accra–Kumasi highway, as funding has been secured to continue those works.
Compensation and legal process
The Roads Minister noted that government will acquire the required land through legal processes and ensure fair compensation for affected landowners and farmers.
“By law, we will secure an executive instrument to acquire the land properly and compensate all affected persons, whether it is farmland or undeveloped land,” he said.
Otumfuo backs project, demands timely delivery
In response, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II welcomed the initiative, describing it as vital for national development, but stressed the need for strict adherence to timelines.
“Expedite the work and complete it on schedule. If the clearance is done on time, the main construction can begin in June. Though you target 2027, I extend it to 2028 but I expect it to be completed so I can personally drive on it,” he said.
The Asantehene also urged government to ensure adequate funding and engage competent contractors to guarantee quality and durability.
“I would have asked about funding if the Finance Minister were here. The engineers and ministers must show commitment and secure the right contractor for a sustainable project,” he added.
Otumfuo pledged his full support, indicating he would engage chiefs in the affected areas to facilitate cooperation.
“I will call the chiefs and speak to them,” he assured.
The delegation included senior officials from both ministries, the Ghana Armed Forces, and the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council, led by Ashanti Regional Minister Frank Amoakohene.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
