The Parliament of Ghana approved $1.7 billion for the Ministry of Roads to disburse to a company called Accra-Kumasi Expressway Limited in December 2025. However, an investigation by The Daily Searchlight found that no company with such a name is registered with the Office of the Registrar of Companies (ORC). This revelation has raised questions 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, read by Minister of Finance Dr. Ato Forson on November 13, 2025. The project is part of the Big Push Infrastructure Projects, a key policy measure of the current government and President John Dramani Mahama. Incorporation under Ghanaian law is fundamental in any dealings with the Ministry of Finance and all agencies.
The Accra-Kumasi Expressway Limited, 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 colossal government and public funds are headed its way with no clear means of accountability. The company's Chief Executive, Mr. Francis Ahlidza, has claimed that the expressway is expected to be operated and maintained for 50 years under a government-owned company established specifically to manage the project.
According to Mr. Ahlidza, the company will use tolling revenue generated from the expressway to recover the cost of construction and maintenance over the concession period. He stated that the company's mandate extends beyond the construction of the expressway to its long-term operation and maintenance. The project has now moved into the procurement stage, with designs completed and construction firms expected to be shortlisted based on their capacity to undertake the project.
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 has raised concerns about the level of due diligence by the Minister of Finance and his Ministry, particularly as to how they came to the conclusion that this is the amount of money necessary for the project.
The approval of funds for the company has also raised questions about the level of scrutiny by Parliament, which is now controlled by the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC). The Minority representation in Parliament has been vocal about their concerns, and it remains to be seen how this issue will be addressed. The company's publicity blitzkrieg, led by Mr. Ahlidza, has also raised questions about the transparency of the project.
Key issues that need to be addressed include the lack of incorporation of the Accra-Kumasi Expressway Limited, the unclear means of funding for the company's activities, and the level of due diligence exercised by Parliament and the Minister of Finance. The project's implementation and the use of public funds will require close monitoring to ensure accountability and transparency.
Key points
- - The Parliament of Ghana approved $1.7 billion for a company with no certificate of incorporation. - 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. - The project has raised concerns about due diligence and accountability in the use of public funds.
