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

According to him, the funds have been ring-fenced at the Bank of Ghana and will only be accessed after the award of the main construction contract.

Presenting the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review in Parliament on Thursday, July 23, Dr Forson said preparations for the flagship project under the government’s “Big Push” programme were progressing steadily.

“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 176-kilometre six-lane expressway is expected to reduce travel time between Accra and Kumasi to about two hours while improving road safety, easing congestion and reducing transportation costs.

The project will feature modern interchanges, bridges, intelligent transport systems, electronic tolling facilities, emergency response centres and rest areas.

Dr Ato Forson said significant progress had been made in preparing the project for construction with the Ghana Armed Forces clearing 122 kilometres of the required Right-of-Way as of July 22, representing about 70 percent of the corridor.

He added that the entire route is expected to be cleared by the first week of September 2026 while compensation assessments, environmental studies, engineering designs and feasibility works continue.

The Finance Minister noted that feasibility studies and detailed engineering designs are expected to be completed by the end of August with procurement for the main construction contract scheduled to begin in September.

Government, he said, is confident all preparations will be completed ahead of President John Dramani Mahama’s planned sod-cutting ceremony for the project.

The Accra-Kumasi Expressway forms part of Ghana’s infrastructure expansion agenda aimed at improving connectivity, boosting trade and strengthening economic activity along one of the country’s busiest transport corridors.