By Iddi Yire, GNA
Accra, Sept 14, GNA – President John Dramani Mahama on Monday commended the Engineers Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) for the timely execution of the Accra-Kumasi Expressway clearing task.
He gave the commendation during the official ceremony of the handover report of the Accra-Kumasi Expressway clearing task at Kwaso near Ejisu in the Ashanti Region.
The Accra-Kumasi Expressway is a flagship project under the Government of Ghana’s Big Bush infrastructure Programme aims to improve connectivity between Ghana’s two major cities Accra and Kumasi and reduce travel time to approximately two hours using this critical corridor.
Pursuant to the Ghana Armed Forces’ constitutional mandate, in support of National development, the Ministry of Roads and Highways requested, through the Ministry of Defence, the employment of the military engineers to undertake some pre-construction activities on the Accra-Kumasi Expressway.
The President recalled that in State of the Nation Address last February, he announced that his administration was going to commence the construction of an expressway between Ghana’s two biggest cities, Accra and Kumasi.
He said in April, he tasked te on April 22nd, working with the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Roads and Highways, he tasked the GAF to commence work in clearing the roadway and doing the early works for the construction of the Accra-Kumasi Expressway.
“The task they were given was to complete this mission in 20 weeks. I’m pleased to announce to the whole country of Ghana that our Armed Forces have accomplished this mission One week ahead of schedule; they did it in 19 weeks,” he said.
President Mahama noted that from Ablekuma in Greater Accra Region to Sewua in Ashanti Region, within 19 weeks, 175.6 kilometres of road passing through virgin forests, crossing rivers and streams, Ghana Armed Forces could today announce to all Ghanaians, as they say in military jargon, “mission accomplished”.
He expressed the appreciation of the Natin to the Ghana Armed Forces, especially the engineer corps for this great accomplishment.
“And indeed, I have given instructions that at the next National Honours, which we shall do to mark the 70th anniversary of independence of the Republic of Ghana, the engineers’ regiments of the Ghana Armed Forces shall receive an order of the Companion of the Volta,” President Mahama said.
He noted that the work was critical to the preparatory works for the construction of the Accra-Kumasi Expressway, which was supposed to be a 198.7 kilometre six-lane highway.
“If you know the old alignment, which is the Accra-Kumasi Highway, it’s different from the Accra-Kumasi Expressway. The old alignment, the Accra-Kumasi Highway, is 270 kilometres from Accra to Kumasi,” he stated.
“So it means that with 198.7 kilometres, we’ve shaved off almost 70 kilometres of the travelling distance between Accra and Kumasi.”
The President said when it was completed, the recommended speed on the expressway would be 120 kilometres per hour.
The President said the Accra-Kumasi Expressway Project was long overdue; saying these two cities are the cities with the biggest population in Ghana and that they also had the largest commercial and economic activity in Ghana, Accra and Kumasi.
“We travel to other countries, and even less important cities are connected by dual carriageways and triple carriageways,” he said.
Dr Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, the Finance Minister, used the opportunity to assure the nation that the entire amount needed for the construction of this expressway would be ready by December 2026.
“For the avoidance of doubt, we will not borrow a pesewa for this construction,” he said.
Mr Kwami Governs Gbodza, the Roads and Highways Minister, said they want serious, technically capable and financially strong firms with demonstrable experience in projects of this scale and complexity.
“The process must be competitive, transparent and rigorous. Ghana must obtain quality value for money and timely delivery. These principles are non-negotiable. The project is also to leave lasting capacity in Ghana,” Mr Agbodza said.
Nana Osei Fosu Adutwum II, Kwasohene, commended President Mahama for initiating the Accra-Kumasi Expressway Project, also appealed to Ghanaians to support the President in his efforts to develop the nation.
He also appealed to the President to site one of the 16 new Senior High Schools (SHSs) the Government intends to construct in Kwaso, stating that Kwaso had no SHS.
He also appealed to the President for establishment of a nursing training school in his traditional area, stating that land was available for such projects.
GNA
Edited by Benjamin Mensah