The Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, has assured contractors on the Accra–Kumasi Highway that the government remains committed to finishing all current road projects, despite plans to develop a new expressway connecting the two cities.
During a nationwide inspection tour in the Eastern Region on Monday, 11 May 2026, Mr Agbodza clarified that the proposed Accra–Kumasi Expressway is designed to complement, rather than replace, the existing highway as part of a comprehensive national infrastructure strategy.
Both schemes are regarded as priorities within the government’s transport agenda.
“The government has the intention to build a new road known as the Accra-Kumasi Expressway, which is not a substitute for the existing Accra-Kumasi Highway. It is supposed to complement that one. So nobody should be afraid that because we are doing the expressway, the existing ones will no longer be a priority,” he stated.
He noted that the expressway will operate commercially, providing quicker transit for motorists prepared to pay tolls. Conversely, the existing highway will continue to serve commuters seeking a more affordable route.
“For instance, this is an existing road. By the ECOWAS convention that we have signed up to, we need to build expressways. But when you build expressways, you must have an alternative because the expressways are supposed to be commercial,” he said.
Mr Agbodza emphasised that motorists would be granted options based on their budget and time constraints.
“So if somebody wants to drive from Accra to Kumasi on the expressway and pay $10, $50, whatever the cost may be, somebody can do it in two hours. Somebody can decide, I want to do the existing Accra-Kumasi in five hours, six hours. That is a choice for the person to do,” he explained.
The Minister further reassured contractors that outstanding works on both projects would be finalised. He expressed confidence that the majority of ongoing schemes could be delivered by the end of 2027, provided implementation remains on schedule.
“In any case, that will also be tolled anyway because it’s an investment we are putting in it. So let everybody in the country be assured that the two projects are priorities for the government. We are going to complete all of them,” he said.
Mr Agbodza concluded by noting that discussions regarding costs and timelines have been settled with contractors, some of whom are expected to finish ahead of schedule.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
