The Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), Lieutenant General William Agyapong, on Thursday, April 30, 2026, visited Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) engineers working on the Accra–Kumasi Expressway project.
The team is currently clearing land for the road. They are operating from a campsite at Asuboa, near Akim Oda in the Eastern Region. The visit was to assess progress and ensure the work stays on schedule.
The Project Engineer, Major Evans Biney, briefed the CDS during the visit. He said the team is clearing the right-of-way along a 175.6-kilometre corridor. This phase, he explained, is key to making the project viable and supporting both initial and detailed engineering designs.
Major Biney said four work gangs will handle the task across the full stretch of the corridor. They are expected to work day and night. So far, 17.75 kilometres have been cleared during the mobilisation phase.
He assured the CDS that the work will be completed within a 20-week timeline, which started on April 23, 2026. He added that funding has been secured and most of the needed equipment is already on site.
However, he noted some challenges that could slow progress. These include heavy rains, dense vegetation, poor visibility at night, and delays in the compensation valuation process. Despite this, he expressed confidence that the team will meet the deadline.
Project Coordinator Major Edem Anku said all administrative and logistical arrangements are in place to support the work. He added that the troops are well prepared for the task.
He also said the project team has built a good working relationship with traditional authorities in Asuboa and nearby communities. This, he noted, has helped maintain smooth operations.
As part of civil-military cooperation, Major Anku disclosed that plans are underway to engage local youth. They will assist with minor site duties and administrative support where needed.
During the visit, the CDS toured two project sites. He interacted with troops and assessed the work done so far. He praised the personnel for their commitment and urged them to maintain the pace to meet the deadline.
He described the project as strategic and said the role of the Ghana Armed Forces in its delivery will be remembered. He also engaged with residents affected by the project and assured them that government will provide fair compensation.
The CDS was accompanied by staff officers from General Headquarters and the Commanding Officer of the Jungle Warfare School at Achiase, Lieutenant Colonel Speratus Anglaamwine Baninyeni.
The Accra–Kumasi Expressway will link the Greater Accra, Eastern and Ashanti regions. It will pass through communities such as Ablekuma, Adiembra, Adeiso, Asamankese, Anamase, Akim Oda, Ayirebi, Ofoase, Enikawkaw, Gyadamua, Asante Achiase, Kwaso and Sawua.
