The Government of Ghana has announced steady progress on the Accra-Kumasi Expressway project, with the Ghana Armed Forces clearing about 51 kilometres of the planned corridor.
The update comes as part of ongoing efforts to advance one of the country’s most significant road infrastructure developments under the current administration.
Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, Minister for Finance and Acting Minister for Defence, confirmed the development and described the progress as a key milestone in the early implementation phase of the project. He said the works reflect steady and structured efforts to prepare the corridor for full construction.
He stated that the clearing works have been carried out in a disciplined and professional manner, forming the foundation for what government considers a major economic route.
“So far, about 51km of the entire stretch has been successfully cleared,” he said. Dr Forson added that the project is moving toward the next phase, which includes the commencement of compensation payments for people affected by the construction.
“In June, following assessments by the relevant state agencies, the Ghana Armed Forces will commence the payment of compensation to affected citizens”.
Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, Minister for Finance and Acting Minister for Defence
Compensation Process and Institutional Coordination
Government has indicated that compensation payments will begin after final assessments by relevant state institutions. The process is expected to ensure that individuals whose properties fall within the project corridor are duly compensated before major construction works continue.
Dr Forson explained that the implementation strategy is designed to balance infrastructure development with fairness to affected citizens, particularly farmers and property owners along the route.
He described the current stage of the project as an important foundation for what he believes will become a major economic artery linking key parts of the country.
Engagement with Affected Communities
As part of preparations for compensation and continued implementation, the Ghana Armed Forces Expressway Project Team has been engaging directly with local authorities and communities along the corridor.
The team, together with valuers from the Ghana Highway Authority, visited the Municipal Chief Executive for the West Akyem Municipality, Hon Paulina Akabila, to outline the compensation process for affected residents.
During the engagement, officials explained that government is putting measures in place to ensure that all individuals whose farms and properties fall within the right of way are properly identified and compensated.
A key feature of the process is the planned establishment of a grievances and redress committee. This committee will include representatives from the Ghana Highway Authority as well as members from the local communities.
It will serve as a structured platform to address concerns raised by affected persons and ensure transparency in the compensation process. Officials also paid a similar courtesy call on the District Chief Executive for the Asene Manso Akroso District, Hon Eric Ahinakwa.
The team later engaged residents in the Manso, Asene, and Asuboa communities to provide information and respond to questions about the project. During these engagements, residents were given the opportunity to clarify concerns about compensation procedures and the impact of the project on their farms and properties.
Community Response and Project Support
According to officials involved in the engagements, many residents expressed relief following assurances that compensation payments would be made. The issue of compensation had been a major concern among affected communities since the project began preparatory works.
Officials noted that once residents understood the process and timelines, there was growing acceptance of the project. “At least we have gotten the consent of the people. They have bought into the project, and they are happy that at least we will be coming around to compensate them. That has been their major grievance,” officials said.
The Ghana Armed Forces media team also engaged some residents, many of whom expressed support for the project and optimism about its potential benefits. Some residents indicated their willingness to cooperate with authorities as the project progresses.
Strategic Importance of the Expressway
The Accra-Kumasi Expressway is expected to become one of Ghana’s most important transport corridors, linking the capital with the Ashanti Region and improving the movement of goods and people across major economic zones.
Government officials have emphasized that the project will reduce travel time, improve road safety, and support trade and economic activity along the route. The involvement of the Ghana Armed Forces in the clearing phase is part of efforts to ensure efficiency and coordination during early implementation.
With 51 kilometres already cleared and compensation processes expected to begin in June, attention is now shifting toward the next phase of development. Authorities say the focus will be on ensuring smooth transition from land preparation to full construction activities.
