Konongo bypass project faces challenges amid progress on Kumasi-Accra highway

The Konongo bypass project on the Kumasi-Accra Highway in the Asante Akim Central District of the Ashanti region is 46 percent complete, according to the contractors on the project.

The 15.4-kilometre road project, spanning from Yawkwei to Ohene Nkwanta and awarded to Kofi Job Construction and Joshop Construction, is expected to be completed by June 2026.

Once finished, the bypass will feature four underpasses and overpasses, significantly easing the traffic congestion at the Konongo intersection.

However, the project faces significant challenges due to compensation disputes with local farmers and property owners. Ing. Eric Prah of ADK Consortium, the consultancy firm overseeing the project, revealed that work has been repeatedly disrupted by affected individuals demanding compensation.

“There have been several occasions where we have been confronted and blocked from working on the project due to unpaid compensations,” Prah said.

He recounted an incident where frustrated farmers stormed the site and caused damage to vehicles, emphasising the urgency of resolving compensation issues.

The Ghana Highways Authority is actively working to ensure the payment of compensations, but Prah called for expedited action to reduce the pressure on the contractors and prevent further disruptions.

During a tour of the project site yesterday, Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei Mensah expressed his satisfaction with the progress made so far, despite the ongoing challenges.