The Accra-Kumasi Expressway Limited has begun preparations for the procurement of contractors following the formal handover of the cleared right-of-way for the project.
Speaking after President John Dramani Mahama received the 175.6-kilometre cleared corridor, the Chief Executive Officer of Accra-Kumasi Expressway Limited, Ing. Francis Ahlidza, described the handover as a major milestone towards construction. The Ghana Armed Forces completed the clearance in 19 weeks, one week ahead of the original 20-week schedule.
Mr Ahlidza explained that the exercise had enabled the Ghana Armed Forces to define the alignment along which the proposed expressway would pass. He noted that this would also assist engineers in validating the studies and preparations already undertaken for the project.
According to the CEO, the next major stage is contractor procurement, a process he disclosed had already commenced. He explained that companies with the requisite technical capacity are being invited to express interest before a shortlist is developed for the tendering stage.
Mr Ahlidza indicated that this approach would allow the project managers to assess the capabilities of prospective contractors before opening the process to a wider tender. He stressed that the complexity of the expressway requires firms with proven capacity to deliver the project to the required standards.
He also disclosed that the project is expected to move into the construction phase in January 2027. President Mahama has indicated that the sod cutting for the actual construction is expected before Christmas.
“The next logical step is to start the procurement process, which we have already initiated. The designs are complete now, and therefore, we are inviting organisations and construction firms from all over the world who believe they have the requisite capacity to express their interest.”
Ing. Francis Ahlidza
The CEO explained that the procurement process would precede the mobilisation of contractors to commence the main highway works. Additional facilities, including service stations and fire stations, would also be developed to support the functionality of the completed expressway.
The project forms part of government’s Big Push Infrastructure Programme and is expected to improve connectivity between Accra and Kumasi. The planned six-lane expressway is expected to significantly reduce travel time between the two cities while improving road safety and easing congestion.
Mr Ahlidza noted that the handover therefore moves the project from corridor preparation into a more advanced implementation stage. He expressed confidence that the procurement and subsequent construction activities would follow the planned schedule towards the opening of the highway to the public.
Accra-Kumasi Expressway To Operate Under 50-Year Concession Model
The Accra-Kumasi Expressway is being developed under a 50-year concession designed to enable the road to recover its construction and maintenance costs through its operations.
Chief Executive Officer of Accra-Kumasi Expressway Limited, Ing. Francis Ahlidza, explained that government established the company as a limited liability entity to give the expressway a distinct commercial structure. Mr Ahlidza noted that the arrangement is intended to ensure the asset can generate revenue to support its long-term operation and maintenance.
The CEO disclosed that Accra-Kumasi Expressway Limited was established in 2025 after Parliament approved the concession allowing the company to undertake the project. He explained that its responsibilities cover the design, construction, operation and maintenance of the expressway throughout the concession period.
Mr Ahlidza indicated that toll revenue would be an important part of the financing model. The company is expected to generate sufficient revenue over the concession period to repay the investment while maintaining the road at the required service level throughout its design life.
“The company has to maintain the road, has to operate the facility, and also raise money through tolling to be able to pay back for both the construction and the maintenance within this period, so that the level of service remains the same throughout the design life period of the project.”
Ing. Francis Ahlidza
The arrangement places Accra-Kumasi Expressway Limited under the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund, which is responsible for mobilising financing for critical national infrastructure projects. Mr Ahlidza explained that although the company will manage the project during the concession, ownership of the underlying public asset remains with the Ministry of Roads and Highways.
He further outlined that the company will award contracts under the framework of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund. This structure, he explained, gives the project greater operational autonomy while retaining government ownership of the national asset.
Meanwhile, government financing for the project is being mobilised through the Big Push programme. The Finance Minister previously disclosed that US$1.7 billion had been deposited into a dedicated Accra-Kumasi Expressway account at the Bank of Ghana, with the funds ring-fenced for use after the main construction contract is awarded.
Mr Ahlidza explained that the cleared corridor now allows the company to advance towards contracting and subsequently access the funds required to pay contractors and service providers. He noted that the company’s role will continue beyond construction because it will be responsible for operating and maintaining the facility.
The completed expressway is expected to include supporting infrastructure such as service stations, fire stations and other facilities designed to improve its usefulness. Government’s 2026 Budget also outlines emergency facilities, rest areas, fuel stations, electric vehicle charging points and automated tolling as components of the planned highway.
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