The government has deposited US$1.7 billion into a dedicated account at the Bank of Ghana to finance the construction of the proposed Accra-Kumasi Expressway, Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has announced.

Presenting the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review in Parliament on Thursday, July 23, Dr Forson said the funds have been ring-fenced and will only be released after the main construction contract for the project has been awarded.

“As of 22nd July 2026, US$1.7 billion had been deposited into the dedicated Accra-Kumasi Expressway Account at the Bank of Ghana. The funds have been ring-fenced and will be used only after the main construction contract is awarded,” he told Parliament.

The Finance Minister described the Accra-Kumasi Expressway as one of the flagship initiatives under the government’s Big Push Programme, aimed at transforming Ghana’s transport infrastructure and accelerating economic growth.

According to Dr Forson, the 176-kilometre, six-lane dual carriageway will cut travel time between Accra and Kumasi to approximately two hours, while enhancing road safety, reducing traffic congestion and lowering transportation costs.

The expressway will feature modern interchanges, bridges, intelligent transport systems, electronic toll collection facilities, emergency response infrastructure and designated rest areas to improve the overall travel experience.

Dr Forson said preparatory works are progressing steadily, revealing that the Ghana Armed Forces had, as of July 22, 2026, cleared 122 kilometres of the required 120-metre-wide Right-of-Way, representing about 70 per cent of the entire corridor.

He expressed optimism that the remaining sections would be cleared by the first week of September 2026.

The Finance Minister further disclosed that compensation assessments, environmental and social impact studies, feasibility studies and detailed engineering designs are being undertaken simultaneously. He noted that the feasibility and engineering works are expected to be completed by the end of August 2026, with procurement for the main construction contract scheduled to commence in September.

Dr Forson said the government remains confident that all preparatory activities will be completed on schedule, paving the way for President John Dramani Mahama to perform the sod-cutting ceremony for the start of construction.

When completed, the Accra-Kumasi Expressway is expected to strengthen trade, improve connectivity between Ghana’s southern and middle belts, and enhance the efficient movement of people and goods along one of the country’s busiest transport corridors.