Ghana: Accra-Kumasi Highway Enters Launch Phase

 The Accra-Kumasi highway construction project has reached a new stage with the handover to the government of the cleared right-of-way for the works. The project is expected to strengthen capacity on one of the country’s main freight transport routes.

Accra-Kumasi Highway: 175.6 km of Corridor Cleared

On September 14, 2026, the Ghana Armed Forces handed over the cleared right-of-way for the project to the government. The operation, carried out by the 48 Engineers Regiment, covered 175.6 km between Ablekuma, in the Greater Accra Region, and Sewua, in the Ashanti Region.

The clearance works were completed in 19 weeks, compared with the 20 weeks initially planned. The corridor passes through forest areas and several watercourses. This stage now releases the land required for the project to move forward. (CitiNewsroom.com)

The proposed highway will cover approximately 198.7 km and will be built as a six-lane road, following a different alignment from the existing Accra-Kumasi road. The project also includes 8 grade-separated interchanges, 11 overpasses and 55 bridges. (CitiNewsroom.com)

The Ghanaian government says it has an initial funding envelope of $2 billion to launch the project. At the same time, the contractor selection process is progressing through an international prequalification procedure. (CitiNewsroom.com)

A New Route for Freight Flows in Ghana

The existing Accra-Kumasi link carries a significant share of national traffic. According to Ghana’s Minister of Roads and Highways, rising traffic, freight volumes and commercial activity are putting increasing pressure on the existing N6. (CitiNewsroom.com)

For transport operators, the challenge is therefore less about creating a new connection than about increasing available capacity on this route. Infrastructure that further separates through traffic from local traffic could reduce congestion-related constraints and improve the predictability of travel times.

The project will also be connected to the existing road network, particularly the future Kumasi Outer Ring Road, to improve the distribution of traffic around Kumasi. (CitiNewsroom.com)

Why It Matters

• Capacity: six lanes should allow the Accra-Kumasi route to handle more traffic.
• Freight: increased road capacity could facilitate the movement of goods between the country’s main economic hub in the south and central Ghana.
• Reliability: separating through traffic from local traffic should help make travel times more predictable for operators.

Infrastructure to Watch at Regional Level

The Accra-Kumasi route is part of Ghana’s road network linking the south of the country with the central and northern regions. The Ghana Highway Authority currently classifies Accra-Kumasi as one of the country’s main national routes, designated N6, covering approximately 250 km. (Ghana Highway Authority)

For West African supply chains, the development of this infrastructure will therefore need to be monitored through three indicators: the actual construction schedule, the capacity ultimately delivered, and changes in freight transit times.

The handover of the 175.6 km right-of-way marks a preparatory stage. The next key step will be the actual start of construction of the Accra-Kumasi highway and the mobilisation of the companies responsible for building it.