Roads Minister Agbodza Announces Major Progress on Accra-Kumasi Expressway as 'Big Push' Infrastructure Gains Momentum

The Minister for Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza, has announced that the Accra-Kumasi Expressway is nearing a critical milestone, with less than 20 kilometers of clearing work remaining before the project connects with the Kumasi Orbiter. Speaking on the progress of the vital artery linking Ghana’s two largest cities, the Minister indicated that approximately 10 to 15 kilometers of work are left to be completed by the contractor, Kofi Job Company Limited. Agbodza credited the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, for his steadfast advocacy for road infrastructure and acknowledged the Ghana Armed Forces for their assistance in the clearing efforts. This project is expected to significantly enhance travel efficiency and stimulate economic activity along the route, facilitating access to facilities such as the Sewua Hospital.

Parallel to the expressway progress, the Upper West Parliamentary Caucus, led by Dr. Sebastian Sandaare and Regional Minister Charles Lwanga Puozuing, recently conducted an inspection of 'Big Push' infrastructure projects, specifically focusing on the N12 Bole-Sawla-Wa highway. While construction on the N12 is currently reported at 4% completion, officials expressed satisfaction with the pace of road clearing and drainage works. Wa West MP Supt. (Rtd) Peter Lanchene Toobu highlighted the security and economic benefits of the project, asserting that improved road networks would create jobs and help curb highway robberies. Contractors such as P&W Ghanem Limited were praised for their efficiency, with assurances given that major regional works would be completed ahead of the 2028 deadline.

Despite these advancements, the government faces increasing pressure from youth groups and residents in other regions to ensure development is equitable. In the Upper East Region, Activista Ghana—a movement affiliated with ActionAid—has called on the government to translate the significant political support from the area’s youth into tangible infrastructure. Regional Coordinator Nicholas Azebire emphasized the need to prioritize the stalled Upper East Regional Airport and healthcare facilities. Similarly, in Ashaiman, while drainage projects are reportedly 70% complete, residents have expressed frustration over the slow pace of road rehabilitation, urging Municipal Chief Executive Freeman Tsekpo to move beyond inspections to visible improvements.

Adding a layer of complexity to the infrastructure agenda is a mounting dispute between the Ministry of Roads and the Ghana Institution of Surveyors (GhIS). Minister Agbodza recently signaled intentions to report certain surveyors over allegations of inflated compensation claims that have caused financial losses and project delays. In a swift response, the GhIS dismissed claims of professional misconduct, arguing that discrepancies between claims and assessments often stem from legitimate valuation factors rather than fraud. The Institution has pledged to cooperate with investigations while upholding the constitutional right of affected individuals to fair compensation. As the Mahama administration pushes toward its 2028 infrastructure targets, balancing regional demands with professional oversight and fiscal discipline remains a central challenge.