The Parliament of Ghana has approved an amount of $1.7 billion for the Ministry of Roads to disburse to a company known as Accra-Kumasi Expressway Limited. However, checks at the Office of the Registrar of Companies reveal that there is no company incorporated with such a name. This raises concerns about the level of scrutiny by Parliament and the Attorney-General's exercise of due diligence.
The government of Ghana had proposed dedicating $1.7 billion to the Accra-Kumasi Expressway in the 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy. The Minister of Finance, Dr. Ato Forson, read the statement on November 13, 2025. The Accra to Kumasi Expressway is part of the Big Push Infrastructure Projects, a key policy measure of the current government and President John Dramani Mahama.
Incorporation under Ghana law is fundamental in any dealings with the Ministry of Finance and all agencies. It is also necessary to open a bank account for receivables and payments. Despite this, the company, said to be a fully-owned government entity, has engaged in numerous activities funded by unclear means. Parliament has not created an Act for its creation, meaning that large sums of government funds are headed its way with no clear means of accountability.
The company's Chief Executive, Mr. Francis Ahlidza, has claimed that the Accra-Kumasi Expressway is expected to be operated and maintained for 50 years under a government-owned company established specifically to manage the project. Mr. Ahlidza said that the company will use tolling revenue generated from the expressway to recover the cost of construction and maintenance over the concession period.
Mr. Ahlidza explained that the company's mandate extends beyond the construction of the expressway to its long-term operation and maintenance. He stated that the company was established in 2025 after Parliament approved the concession for it to undertake the project. The project has now moved into the procurement stage, with designs completed and construction firms expected to be shortlisted.
Construction is expected to begin in January 2027, with the government expected to cut the sod before the end of 2026. The Ghana Armed Forces have completed the clearance and definition of the right of way for the proposed expressway. The development raises questions about the approval process and the level of scrutiny by Parliament and the Attorney-General.
The approval of funds for a company with no certificate of incorporation has sparked concerns about accountability and transparency. The Minority representation in Parliament, known as the Mighty Minority, will likely scrutinize the approval of funds for this company. An investigation into the matter may be necessary to determine the circumstances surrounding the approval of funds for the Accra-Kumasi Expressway project.
Key points
- The Parliament of Ghana approved $1.7 billion for a company with no certificate of incorporation for the Accra-Kumasi Expressway project.
- The company's Chief Executive, Mr. Francis Ahlidza, claims that the expressway will be operated and maintained for 50 years under a government-owned company.
- Construction of the expressway is expected to begin in January 2027.
