6 Lanes, 8 Interchanges, 55 Bridges and More: Key features of the Accra-Kumasi Expressway

The Accra-Kumasi Expressway is being developed as Ghana’s first six-lane, access-controlled tolled expressway, with a design speed of up to 120 km/h. The 198.7-kilometre corridor will stretch from Ablekuma in the Greater Accra Region to Sewua in the Ashanti Region, linking Ghana’s two major economic hubs through a modern highway designed to ease congestion and reduce travel time. The GAF cleared 183.6 kilometres in 19 weeks, exceeding the original 175.6-kilometre target, marking a major move towards the actual construction of the road. President John Dramani Mahama has announced that the 48 Engineer Regiment of the Armed Forces would be the major subcontractor on the project. The Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has also assured the nation that funds required for the construction of the project will be fully available by December 2026, stressing that the government will not borrow to finance the project. The project comprises about 176 kilometres of new dual carriageway and 23 kilometres of upgraded connector roads at the Accra and Kumasi terminals. Here are some of the key features of the expressway 1. Three-lane dual carriageway The mainline will be a Class A, three-lane dual carriageway constructed on a 36-metre standard roadbed, with a design speed of 120 km/h. The connector roads will be Class B routes with a maximum speed limit of 60 km/h. 2. Eight grade-separated interchanges The expressway will have eight grade-separated interchanges, allowing vehicles to enter or leave the highway without disrupting high-speed through traffic. 3. 11 vehicle overpasses Eleven vehicle overpasses will be constructed along the corridor to facilitate the movement of traffic across the expressway while reducing conflicts with high-speed traffic. 4. 55 mainline bridges The project will also include 55 mainline bridges as part of the infrastructure supporting the long-distance corridor. 5. Nine at-grade intersections and 200 culverts Nine at-grade intersections will be provided along the corridor, alongside approximately 200 reinforced concrete box culverts to improve drainage and water management. 6. Four service areas Motorists will have access to four fully equipped service areas providing facilities for food, rest and vehicle care. 7. Eight tolling locations The expressway will have eight strategically located tolling points as part of its access-controlled design. 8. Intelligent Transport System Traffic on the highway will be monitored through an Intelligent Transport System (ITS), supported by one central operating centre and two monitoring centres equipped with electromechanical systems. 9. Emergency response facilities Dedicated fire service and ambulance stations will be established along the route to enable emergency responders to reach motorists quickly in the event of accidents or other incidents. 10. Three maintenance depots Three maintenance depots will be located along the corridor to support routine maintenance and the long-term upkeep. Mahama names 48 Engineer Regiment major sub-contractor for Accra-Kumasi Expressway 11. Communities along the corridor The expressway will pass through several towns and communities, including Adeiso, Asamankese, Akim Oda, Ofoase and Kwaso. The Ghana Armed Forces recently completed and handed over the cleared right-of-way for the project to the Ministry of Roads and Highways. According to the Chief Executive Officer of the Accra-Kumasi Expressway Limited, Francis Ahlidza, construction is expected to officially begin in January 2027. When completed, the expressway is expected to significantly reduce congestion on the existing N6 route and cut travel time between Accra and Kumasi. JKB/BAI Stan Dogbe Orders Kpeshie Lagoon Restoration After Demolition of Illegal Structures Source: www.ghanaweb.com
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