The Minister for Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza, has reiterated that the planned Accra-Kumasi Expressway will not replace the existing N6 Accra-Kumasi Highway project.
According to the minister, the government remains committed to the dualisation and rehabilitation of the current highway, including the construction of bypasses at Osino, Anyinam and Konongo.
Speaking during an engagement with contractors and consultants at Bunso in the Eastern Region on Monday, May 11, Mr Agbodza explained that the proposed expressway would complement, not replace, the existing highway.
“I want to put on record that the government’s intention to build a new road from Accra to Kumasi, called the Accra-Kumasi Expressway, is not a substitute for the existing Accra-Kumasi Highway,” he said.
He assured Ghanaians that both projects remained top priorities for the government and urged contractors not to fear the abandonment of the ongoing works.
The minister said the engagement was aimed at assessing progress on the bypass projects and identifying ways to speed up their completion.
He was accompanied by Deputy Roads Minister Alhassan Suhuyini, Ghana Highways Authority Chief Executive Mallam Isaah Ishak, Chief Director of the Roads Ministry James Amoo-Gottfried, and Eastern Regional Minister Rita Akosua Awatey.
Mr Agbodza further explained that under ECOWAS requirements, the construction of an expressway must be accompanied by an alternative road network.
He stated that the new expressway would operate commercially, allowing motorists to travel between Accra and Kumasi in about two hours for a fee, while the existing highway would remain available for drivers who preferred a slower and potentially cheaper route.
The minister added that both roads would eventually be tolled due to the scale of investment involved.
He expressed optimism that ongoing works on the existing highway could be completed by the end of 2027 and assured contractors of the government’s support in delivering the projects on schedule.
Despite challenges affecting the bypass projects, Mr Agbodza maintained that the government had no intention of cancelling inherited projects, noting that the previous delays were linked to changes in project scope and funding difficulties.
He added that the projects had stalled before the 2024 elections, but President John Dramani Mahama had directed that all ongoing projects should continue.
Source: graphic.com.gh
