Ghana's Roads and Highways Minister, Governs Kwame Agbodza, has called on contractors working on the Accra-Kumasi Bypass to speed up construction, especially on the Konongo section, which remains a major concern due to congestion. The Minister made this appeal during an inspection of ongoing works on Tuesday, September 29. He emphasized the need to ease congestion and ensure the project stays on track. The Accra-Kumasi Bypass aims to provide an alternative route for motorists and reduce pressure on the existing carriageway.
The Konongo stretch of the bypass is a significant challenge because motorists currently rely on the existing carriageway, exacerbating congestion in the area. Minister Agbodza expressed confidence that contractors handling the various sections of the bypass can complete their work by the end of 2027. He commended contractors who have returned to the site after periods of inactivity and urged those making slower progress to step up their efforts. The Minister noted that the pace of work differs across the various lots due to varying terrain.
Minister Agbodza reported that some contractors have made significant progress, with one completing his work and handing it over. He encouraged other contractors to put in their maximum effort to complete the project. The government is particularly focused on completing the Konongo section or making it usable as quickly as possible. Key structures on this section are expected to be completed before Christmas, providing an alternative route for motorists.
The Accra-Kumasi Bypass project has faced challenges, including a period of inactivity by some contractors before 2024. However, Minister Agbodza expressed satisfaction with the current progress, noting that stakeholders in the Ashanti Region had appealed for speedy completion during his visit to Kumasi. The Minister had contacted Kofi Job, one of the contractors, to remobilize to the site, and they did so ahead of expectations.
During his inspection, Minister Agbodza assessed progress across the various sections of the bypass. He acknowledged that the terrain may not be the same for all lots, but emphasized the need for contractors to make maximum effort to complete the project. The Minister's visit aimed to boost the morale of contractors and ensure that the project stays on track.
The completion of the Accra-Kumasi Bypass is expected to ease pressure on the existing carriageway, particularly around the Konongo area. Minister Agbodza's visit and inspection demonstrate the government's commitment to ensuring the project's timely completion. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2027, with the Konongo section being a top priority.
The government's focus on completing the Konongo section or making it usable as quickly as possible is driven by the need to reduce congestion in the area. Minister Agbodza's engagement with contractors and stakeholders aims to ensure that the project is completed on schedule. The Accra-Kumasi Bypass is a critical infrastructure project that will provide an alternative route for motorists and support economic growth in the region.
Key points
- The Accra-Kumasi Bypass project is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.
- The Konongo section of the bypass is a major concern due to congestion.
- Key structures on the Konongo section are expected to be completed before Christmas.
