Accra-Kumasi Expressway on track for late 2028 completion; construction starts January 2027

The Accra-Kumasi Expressway project has reached a critical milestone, with the Managing Director of Accra-Kumasi Expressway Limited, Engineer Francis Ahlidza, confirming that the 175.6-kilometre express route will be completed by December 2028. The announcement follows the official right-of-way handover ceremony held on September 14, marking a formal transition toward active construction on one of Ghana's most strategically important transport corridors.

According to Engineer Ahlidza, the project is structured on a two-year construction timeline, with actual physical works scheduled to commence in January 2027. This timeline depends on the successful completion of procurement and contractor selection processes, which are already underway. International firms have been invited to express interest in the major undertaking through a competitive two-stage process, with the selection expected to conclude by year-end.

Project specifications and expected impact

The expressway will be a substantial infrastructure investment designed to transform connectivity between Accra and Kumasi, Ghana's two largest metropolitan areas. The completed road will feature eight grade-separated interchanges, 11 vehicle overpasses, and 55 mainline bridges—infrastructure elements designed to ensure seamless traffic flow and enhanced safety standards. These features will allow vehicles to maintain higher speeds while navigating the route safely.

The project promises significant benefits for Ghana's economy and daily commuters. Journey times between the two cities are expected to decrease substantially, whilst the improved road conditions will reduce vehicle wear and fuel consumption. For commercial operators, the expressway will lower logistics costs and delivery times, benefiting businesses that depend on the Accra-Kumasi corridor—one of West Africa's busiest economic zones. Road safety should also improve through modern design standards and reduced congestion-related incidents.

Why it matters for Ghana

The Accra-Kumasi route is critical to Ghana's economy. Kumasi serves as the commercial hub of the Ashanti Region and the broader central zone, whilst Accra remains the capital and primary financial centre. Thousands of traders, commuters, and transport operators use this corridor daily, making any improvement to its capacity and safety conditions broadly consequential. The current road experiences significant congestion, particularly during peak hours, contributing to delays that affect productivity and increase accident risks.

A completed expressway will also support Ghana's broader infrastructure development agenda and demonstrate the government's commitment to modernising critical transport networks. For residents and businesses in the central and southern regions, the expressway will improve market access, reduce travel costs, and enhance quality of life. Additionally, improved transport links between major cities typically stimulate economic activity in surrounding areas, potentially benefiting smaller towns and communities along the route.

The December 2028 target, whilst ambitious, provides a concrete timeline for stakeholders. However, large infrastructure projects in Ghana have historically faced delays due to funding challenges, procurement complications, and weather-related disruptions during the rainy season. The two-year construction window will be critical—any slippage in the procurement phase could push completion dates beyond 2028.

Next steps and procurement process

The international competitive procurement process is designed to attract qualified contractors capable of delivering a world-class expressway. By involving multiple stages and international competition, the selection process aims to balance cost-effectiveness with quality assurance. Once contractors are selected in late 2026, mobilisation and site preparation will determine whether the January 2027 start date is achievable.

Ghanaians using the Accra-Kumasi route will be watching closely. If the project stays on schedule, the expressway could fundamentally reshape how people and goods move between the country's two largest cities, representing a transformative investment in Ghana's transport infrastructure.