The Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), Lieutenant General William Agyapong, has inspected ongoing works on the government’s Accra-Kumasi Expressway project, where Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) engineers have so far cleared 17.75 kilometres of land.
The troops, operating from a base in Asuboa near Akim Oda in the Eastern Region, are currently undertaking greenfield clearing within designated corridors for the 175.6-kilometre stretch.
The visit formed part of efforts to assess progress and ensure that work remains on schedule.
Briefing the CDS, the Project Engineer, Major Evans Biney, explained that the current phase involves clearing the right-of-way to support feasibility and engineering design studies.
“This phase is critical to improving the project’s feasibility and supporting both initial and detailed engineering designs,” he noted.
He added that four work gangs have been deployed to operate along the entire corridor, working day and night to meet timelines.
According to him, the 17.75 kilometres cleared so far was achieved during the mobilisation phase, with full-scale work expected to accelerate following the deployment of equipment and personnel.
Major Biney expressed confidence that the clearing exercise would be completed within the 20-week timeline, which took effect from April 23, 2026, citing the availability of funding and equipment.
However, he identified heavy rainfall, dense vegetation, limited visibility at night, and delays in compensation valuation as potential challenges that could affect progress.
Despite these concerns, he maintained that the team remains optimistic about meeting the deadline.
Project Coordinator, Major Edem Anku, also assured the CDS that all administrative and logistical arrangements have been secured to ensure smooth execution.
He revealed that the project team has maintained strong engagement with traditional authorities in Asuboa and surrounding communities, helping to foster cooperation.
“As part of civil-military cooperation, we are also exploring opportunities to engage local youth in minor site roles and administrative support,” he added.
During the visit, Lieutenant General Agyapong toured two project sites and interacted with troops, commending them for their dedication and urging them to sustain the momentum.
He underscored the strategic importance of the expressway, noting that the Ghana Armed Forces’ contribution would be remembered as part of a major national development effort.
The CDS also engaged with some affected residents, assuring them of government’s commitment to fair and adequate compensation.
He was accompanied by staff officers from the General Headquarters, as well as the Commanding Officer of the Jungle Warfare School at Achiase, Lieutenant Colonel Speratus Anglaamwine Baninyeni.
The Accra-Kumasi Expressway is expected to link the Greater Accra, Eastern and Ashanti Regions, passing through key communities such as Ablekuma, Adeiso, Asamankese, Akim Oda, Ofoase Ayirebi, Asante Achiase, Kwaso and Sawua.
