2026 budget: 198km Accra-Kumasi Expressway to be completed in three years — Ato Forson
Minister for Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to completing the 198 kilometre Accra to Kumasi Expressway within the next three years, despite widespread public scepticism about the ambitious timeline.
He explained that the expressway remains one of the central priorities of President John Dramani Mahama’s Big Push Infrastructure Programme, which aims to ease travel, improve road safety, and stimulate economic growth between the country’s two busiest cities.
Dr Forson noted that the project will operate under a user pay model, but the tolls will vary depending on the type of road commuters choose.
Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show with Bernard Avle on Friday, November 14, 2025, he said motorists who opt for the expressway will pay a slightly higher fee in exchange for a quicker and more seamless journey, while those who use the newly improved trunk road will either pay no fee or only a standard toll.
He stated, “With the express road, you will pay something higher than a toll, but with a trunk road, you will not pay, or at worst, you pay only a toll fee.”
The Finance Minister added that the government is finalising the project’s financial arrangements. He explained that the engineer’s estimate is ready, but details cannot be made public until the project goes through the procurement process. “We are working on the financing for the Accra-Kumasi Express road. The engineer’s estimate is already out, but because they are yet to tender it out, I cannot put the financing out like that,” he said.
Dr Forson also emphasised that the government has set aside significant resources to support the initiative. “We have budgeted 30 billion for Big Push. President Mahama will finish this project before he leaves office,” he maintained.
When Bernard Avle questioned whether it was realistic to complete the expressway within three years, he responded with confidence. “Yes, we will get it done.”
The Accra to Kumasi Expressway is a major component of the Big Push Infrastructure Programme and will include eight major interchanges at Accra, Adeiso, Asamankese, Akim Oda, Ofoase, Lake Bosomtwe, and Kumasi. The project is expected to ease congestion, cut down travel time, and strengthen regional connectivity once completed.