Parliament has approved a concession agreement for the construction of a new Accra–Kumasi Expressway, clearing the way for a major road infrastructure project aimed at easing travel between Ghana’s two largest cities.
Under the agreement, the Ministry of Roads and Highways will serve as the contracting authority, while Accra–Kumasi Expressway Limited has been appointed as the concessionaire to develop the project.
The approval comes amid mounting public concern over the deteriorating state of the existing Accra–Kumasi highway, which has been affected by potholes, uneven surfaces and poor lighting, raising safety risks and slowing travel.
Presenting the agreement to the House, the Minister for Roads and Highways, Governs Agbodza, assured Members of Parliament that the proposed expressway would not replace the current highway. Instead, he said, it would provide a high-standard alternative route for motorists.
He explained that international transport protocols allow tolling on expressways to help recover construction costs, provided road users are offered a free alternative route.
“When you build an expressway, you are allowed to charge a certain level of toll to recover the cost, but you must have an alternative,” the minister told the House, stressing that motorists would still be able to use the existing road without charge.
The project involves the construction of a new six-lane dual carriageway, designed to improve safety, reduce travel time between Accra and Kumasi, and create a faster and more efficient transport corridor.
Mr Agbodza described the expressway as a critical national investment, noting that the Accra–Kumasi corridor remains one of the most important road links in the country, supporting economic activity and the movement of people and goods.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
