Ghana has recorded an important milestone in preparations for the proposed Accra–Kumasi Expressway, with engineers of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) completing the clearing of the entire 175.6-kilometre right-of-way in 19 weeks—one week ahead of the original 20-week schedule.
The achievement deserves recognition not simply because the assignment has been completed, but because it demonstrates what Ghanaian institutions can accomplish when clear targets, resources, discipline and accountability come together.
From 17.75km to 175.6km
The scale of the achievement becomes clearer when we look at how the operation progressed.
When Chief of the Defence Staff Lieutenant General William Agyapong inspected the project at the end of April, the GAF reported that 17.75 kilometres had been cleared during the mobilisation phase. Four work gangs were expected to operate day and night along the corridor, despite challenges including heavy rainfall, dense vegetation, limited night visibility and compensation valuation processes.
By July 22, Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson reported that the Armed Forces had cleared 122 kilometres—about 70% of the right-of-way.
Now the entire 175.6 kilometres has been cleared.
That is progress that should be acknowledged.
But This Does Not Mean the Expressway Is Finished
An important distinction must be made.
The Ghana Armed Forces have not completed construction of the Accra–Kumasi Expressway itself. They have completed the right-of-way clearance, an essential preparatory stage needed for subsequent engineering and construction work.
The GAF itself previously explained that the clearance was intended to support feasibility work as well as initial and detailed engineering design studies.
The next challenge is therefore even bigger: turning a cleared corridor into a functioning modern expressway.
A Transformational Project for Ghana
Government has described the planned Accra–Kumasi Expressway as a roughly 176-kilometre, six-lane bidirectional highway and a flagship project under its Big Push infrastructure programme.
According to the Finance Minister, the project is intended to reduce travel time between Accra and Kumasi to about two hours, while improving road safety, reducing congestion and transport costs, and incorporating modern interchanges, bridges, electronic tolling, intelligent transport systems, emergency-response facilities and rest areas.
If successfully completed to the promised standard, the benefits could extend far beyond motorists.
Accra and Kumasi are two of Ghana’s most important economic centres. Faster and safer movement between them could improve trade, logistics, tourism and the transportation of agricultural produce while creating opportunities for communities situated along the broader corridor.
Ghana Armed Forces Deserve Commendation
Our soldiers are primarily known for defending Ghana and protecting its territorial integrity.
But the Armed Forces also possess considerable engineering, logistical and organisational expertise.
Completing this assignment ahead of schedule demonstrates the potential for specialised state institutions to contribute to national development while maintaining their core constitutional responsibilities.
The lesson should not be that every civilian infrastructure project must be handed to the military. Rather, Ghana should identify and efficiently use expertise that already exists within its public institutions.
When taxpayers have invested in building institutional capacity, the country should receive value from that investment.
Compensation Must Not Be Forgotten
Celebrating the completion of the right-of-way should not cause us to overlook people whose farms, properties or livelihoods have been affected.
Some residents and landowners along the proposed corridor have raised concerns about compensation. Earlier reports indicated that valuation and compensation processes were among the challenges associated with the clearance exercise.
As of September 7, some affected communities were still awaiting clarity over when compensation would be paid.
Development is necessary, but development must also be fair.
People who legitimately lose property or livelihoods to nationally important infrastructure should receive appropriate treatment in accordance with the law and due process.
From Clearing Land to Building the Road
This is where accountability becomes particularly important.
Completing the right-of-way ahead of schedule is encouraging, but Ghanaians must now watch what happens next.
Will construction commence promptly?
Will procurement and expenditure be transparent?
Will deadlines be respected?
Will the road meet the promised engineering and safety standards?
And will the project be protected from unnecessary political interference if there is a future change of government?
These questions matter because Ghana has too many examples of projects that started with enthusiasm but encountered delays, cost escalation or abandonment.
Moment of Wisdom Perspective: Ghana Can Deliver
Only recently, I argued that “Ghana Cannot Be Built in a Day.”
This development illustrates exactly what that statement means.
Nation-building happens one kilometre, one school, one hospital, one bridge and one successful project at a time.
We should not allow excessive NDC-NPP politics to prevent us from recognising progress.
When government performs well, let us say so.
When public servants exceed expectations, let us commend them.
When government fails, let us demand answers.
And when public money is wasted, let us insist on accountability.
The completion of the 175.6km right-of-way is not the completion of the Accra–Kumasi Expressway. Much work remains.
But finishing this preparatory assignment in 19 weeks instead of the scheduled 20 is a positive milestone worthy of recognition.
Congratulations to the men and women of the Ghana Armed Forces Engineering units and all institutions involved.
Now Ghana must maintain the momentum and transform the cleared corridor into the modern, safe and efficient highway citizens have been promised.
Ghana cannot be built in a day—but Ghana can be built when we work with discipline, continuity, accountability and a common national purpose. 🇬🇭
Moment of Wisdom — Time for Wisdom.
✍️ Apostle Michael Asabere — The Only Living Saint
