The Secretary General of the Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL), Abraham Koomson, has welcomed the government's decision to construct a new expressway linking Accra and Kumasi, describing the project as long overdue. The proposed Accra-Kumasi Expressway has the potential to significantly boost economic activity and improve transportation between Ghana's two largest cities. Koomson emphasized that the project is a positive development for Ghana's economy.
The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) handed over the cleared right of way for the construction of the Accra-Kumasi Expressway to the government on September 14, marking the completion of a major preparatory phase of the project. The 48 Engineers Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces cleared 175.6 kilometres of the project corridor in 19 weeks, one week ahead of the scheduled 20-week timeframe. President John Dramani Mahama commended the Armed Forces for completing the assignment.
The planned expressway is expected to be a six-lane highway connecting Accra and Kumasi and will follow a different alignment from the existing Accra-Kumasi highway. The handover of the cleared right of way paves the way for the next stages of work on the proposed expressway, which the government has identified as a major transport corridor between Ghana's two largest cities. The project is expected to improve transportation and boost economic activity.
However, Koomson raised concerns about the potential impact of heavy-duty trucks on the road once completed. He cautioned that allowing heavy trucks to use the expressway without appropriate measures could accelerate damage to the road and increase maintenance costs. Koomson suggested that the government should implement measures to protect the road from premature deterioration.
Koomson proposed that any fees charged to heavy-duty trucks should be channelled directly into the maintenance of the expressway to ensure its long-term sustainability. He also suggested allocating a dedicated lane for heavy-duty trucks if they are permitted to use the new highway. This, he believes, will help mitigate the potential damage caused by heavy trucks.
The construction of the Accra-Kumasi Expressway is a significant project that is expected to have a positive impact on Ghana's economy. The government has identified the project as a major transport corridor between Ghana's two largest cities. The project is expected to improve transportation, boost economic activity, and create jobs.
Koomson's concerns about the potential impact of heavy-duty trucks on the road are valid, and the government should consider implementing measures to protect the road. The government should ensure that the road is properly maintained to extend its lifespan. The Accra-Kumasi Expressway is a vital project that will benefit Ghana's economy and citizens.
Key points
- The Ghana Federation of Labour is calling for measures to protect the Accra-Kumasi Expressway from potential damage caused by heavy-duty trucks.
- The proposed Accra-Kumasi Expressway is expected to be a six-lane highway connecting Accra and Kumasi.
- The project is expected to improve transportation and boost economic activity between Ghana's two largest cities.
