Accra-Kumasi Expressway: GAF clears 170km corridor, only 6km remaining

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) Engineers have cleared 170 kilometres of the 176-kilometre corridor earmarked for the proposed Accra–Kumasi Expressway, leaving just six kilometres to complete the preparatory phase of the flagship infrastructure project.

The development marks significant progress in the right-of-way clearing exercise, with the military engineering team expected to finish the remaining stretch as it advances towards Sawua. In a post on X on Thursday, September 3, the Ghana Armed Forces announced that the corridor-clearing exercise had entered its final stage, commending its engineers for their efforts in tackling the challenging terrain.

“The finish line is in sight. Out of 176 kilometres of challenging terrain, just 6 KM REMAIN!” the Ghana Armed Forces stated .

Significant Progress on a Challenging Terrain

The latest update represents a substantial acceleration from earlier milestones. As of June 25, 2026, 89.5 kilometres, representing 50.9 per cent of the corridor, had been cleared . By July 2026, the Ghana Armed Forces had cleared 122 kilometres, about 70 per cent of the required right-of-way within 12 weeks .

The entire exercise was initially scheduled to be completed within a 20-week timeframe, effective from April 23, 2026 . Despite challenges including heavy rains, dense vegetation, limited night visibility, and the lengthy compensation valuation process, the clearing is progressing ahead of schedule .

A Flagship Project Under the Big Push Programme

The corridor-clearing exercise is a critical preparatory step for the Accra–Kumasi Expressway, creating the required right of way ahead of major construction works. The 176-kilometre, six-lane bidirectional expressway is the flagship project under the government’s Big Push Infrastructure Programme .

The proposed expressway will connect Ghana’s two largest commercial cities, passing through the Greater Accra, Eastern, and Ashanti regions through key communities including Adeiso, Asamankese, Akim Oda, Ofoase, and Sawua . It is expected to reduce travel time between Accra and Kumasi to approximately two hours, significantly easing congestion on the existing N6 highway, improving road safety and lowering transportation costs .

Funding Secured

The government has ring-fenced US4 billion . The funds, announced by Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson during the 2026 Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review, will be accessed only after the award of the main construction contract .

Feasibility studies, engineering designs, environmental assessments and compensation processes are progressing simultaneously, with procurement for the main construction contract expected to commence in September 2026 . Once completed, the access-controlled highway will feature major interchanges, electronic tolling systems, emergency facilities and modern rest areas, strengthening regional trade and supporting ECOWAS transit activities .