Accra-Kumasi Expressway nearing completion as final 20km stretch enters home stretch

Ghana's ambitious Accra-Kumasi Expressway project is on the cusp of a major milestone, with Roads and Highways Minister Governs Kwame Agbodza announcing that fewer than 20 kilometres of work remain before the expressway reaches Kumasi proper. Speaking on Friday, Mr Agbodza indicated the contractor is actively clearing the final stretches, estimating completion of the remaining section could occur within months rather than years.

The flagship infrastructure project represents one of the government's key initiatives to strengthen the transport corridor linking Ghana's two largest cities. Once complete, the expressway will connect directly with the Kumasi Ring Road (Kumasi Orbiter), creating a seamless high-speed link between Accra and Kumasi that is expected to significantly reduce travel time, lower transport costs, and unlock economic opportunities along the 250-plus-kilometre route.

Progress update and contractor performance

According to the Minister, contractor Kofi Job has accelerated work on site following earlier delays. Mr Agbodza explained that the contractor is nearly finished with one direction of the dual-carriageway section and is preparing to switch focus to the opposite side. This phased approach is standard for expressway construction and allows traffic management during the final stages.

The Minister credited the Ghana Armed Forces with supporting the land-clearing operations, which involve removing vegetation and preparing the right-of-way for the final road surface and infrastructure installation. The Armed Forces' involvement underscores the government's commitment to completing this strategic project without further delays.

Royal support and regional development

Mr Agbodza also highlighted the crucial backing of Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the traditional ruler of Asante, in facilitating the project's progress through the Kumasi enclave. The Asantehene's influence and support have been instrumental in coordinating land access and managing local concerns, the Minister noted.

The Minister revealed that the Asantehene had previously advocated for rapid completion of connecting roads in the area to enable the opening of Sewua Hospital, a regional healthcare facility intended to serve Kumasi and its surroundings. With the expressway nearing completion, this hospital project is expected to become more accessible to residents across the region, potentially improving healthcare delivery and emergency response times.

Why this matters for Ghana

The Accra-Kumasi Expressway is far more than a roads project—it represents a strategic investment in national competitiveness and regional development. Ghana's two largest cities generate a significant proportion of the country's GDP, yet the existing road network between them suffers from congestion, poor conditions in sections, and safety hazards that slow commerce and increase transport costs.

For businesses, traders, and passengers, the expressway promises dramatically shorter journey times and more reliable travel, which directly translates to lower costs for goods moving between regions. Small-scale traders who depend on moving goods between Accra and Kumasi markets stand to benefit from faster, safer travel. The project also supports the government's broader industrial and agricultural development agenda by making it easier to transport goods to markets and export hubs.

Regionally, completion of the expressway could accelerate development in smaller towns along the corridor, as improved connectivity typically attracts investment and economic activity. For the Ashanti Region specifically, the project supports other infrastructure initiatives championed by the Asantehene and strengthens Kumasi's role as a major economic hub in West Africa.

With less than 20 kilometres remaining and active construction underway, stakeholders across transport, business, and regional development will be closely monitoring progress in the coming months for an official completion date.