Parliament approves concession for new Accra–Kumasi expressway

Parliament has approved a concession agreement to facilitate the construction of a new Accra–Kumasi Expressway, with the Ministry of Roads and Highways serving as the Contracting Authority and Accra–Kumasi Expressway Limited named as the concessionaire.

The approval comes amid growing public concern over the deteriorating condition of the existing Accra–Kumasi highway, which has been affected by potholes, uneven surfaces and poor lighting, raising safety concerns and slowing travel.

Presenting the agreement to Parliament, the Minister for Roads and Highways, Governs Agbodza, assured the House that the proposed expressway will not replace the current highway but will provide a modern, high-standard alternative route for motorists.

He explained that international transport protocols allow tolling on expressways as a means of recovering construction costs, provided a free alternative route is available.

“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 said, adding that motorists will still have the option of using the existing road.

The project involves the construction of a new six-lane dual carriageway aimed at improving road safety, reducing travel time between Accra and Kumasi, and enhancing transport efficiency along one of Ghana’s most critical road corridors.

The minister described the expressway as a vital national investment, given the strategic importance of the Accra–Kumasi route to commerce and mobility.