President John Dramani Mahama has announced significant progress on the Accra-Kumasi Expressway project, revealing that more than 70 kilometres of the proposed corridor have already been cleared.

Speaking on Wednesday, June 17, during a courtesy visit by the Bono Regional House of Chiefs at the Presidency, the President said preparatory works on the flagship road project are advancing steadily.

According to him, the Ghana Armed Forces, through the 48th Engineers Regiment, is spearheading the right-of-way clearance exercise and has made remarkable progress in opening up the route for construction.

President Mahama disclosed that before his recent trip, approximately 51 kilometres of the corridor had been cleared. However, ongoing operations have since pushed the figure beyond the 70-kilometre mark.

He explained that once the clearing exercise is completed, the corridor will be handed over to the project's main contractor to commence the next phase of construction.

The President further indicated that compensation payments to affected landowners and farmers along the project route have already commenced as part of efforts to ensure a smooth implementation process.

Highlighting the expected benefits of the expressway, Mr. Mahama said the project would significantly improve transportation between Accra and Kumasi by reducing travel distance from about 270 kilometres to 198 kilometres.

He noted that the new road network is expected to cut travel time considerably, making journeys to key destinations, including Dormaa Ahenkro and Sunyani, faster and more efficient. The Accra-to-Kumasi journey, he added, is projected to take roughly two hours upon completion of the project.

The President's update echoes earlier remarks by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, who had revealed that the military-led clearing exercise had initially covered about 51 kilometres of the designated corridor.

Dr. Forson previously described the Accra-Kumasi Expressway as one of the country's most transformative infrastructure projects, expected to enhance connectivity, facilitate trade and stimulate economic activity between Ghana's two largest cities.

The expressway forms part of the government's broader agenda to modernise the country's transport infrastructure, ease traffic congestion and support long-term economic growth.