The Ghana Armed Forces has launched preliminary work on the long-delayed Accra–Kumasi Expressway, clearing nearly 18 kilometres of dense vegetation as the government fast-tracks one of its flagship infrastructure projects.
Four military work gangs are operating continuously from Asuboa near Akim Oda, working under challenging weather conditions, according to Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson. The clearing exercise has so far covered 17.75 kilometres of thick vegetation along the project corridor.
The minister disclosed the progress in a post on X on Tuesday, May 5, noting what he described as rapid mobilisation on the 175.6-kilometre right-of-way. The initial clearing phase is scheduled for completion within 20 weeks.
The Accra–Kumasi Expressway, a planned six-lane highway stretching approximately 198.7 kilometres, is a key infrastructure priority under President John Dramani Mahama’s administration. When completed, it is expected to cut travel time between Accra and Kumasi from about six hours to roughly two hours.
The government says the project aims to ease congestion on the existing route, improve transport efficiency, and support economic activity between Ghana’s southern and middle belts.
Dr Forson previously reiterated the government’s commitment to delivering the expressway within three years during an appearance on the Citi Breakfast Show in November 2025, despite public scepticism over the timeline.
The military’s involvement forms part of an engineering support arrangement, with senior leadership monitoring progress. Chief of Defence Staff General William Agyapong has reportedly inspected the works and commended the pace of execution by troops.
Authorities say the current clearing phase is critical to laying the foundation for full-scale construction of what would be one of Ghana’s most ambitious road infrastructure projects in recent years.
