‘We don’t know when’ – Affected communities await compensation for Accra-Kumasi expressway

The Accra-Kumasi Expressway project, aimed at enhancing transportation between Ghana's major cities, is set to commence soon under President John Mahama's leadership. The 176-kilometer stretch of road, cleared in just 19 weeks by the Ghana Armed Forces, has disrupted the lives of numerous communities and farmers. While residents are impressed by the cleared path, they are frustrated by the slow pace of compensation for their lost properties.

Iddrisu, a farmer in the Amangoase community, has lived in a mud house since 1992, which now lies in the path of the expressway. Despite the fact that his 14-acre cocoa farm has been cleared, he has yet to receive any form of compensation. The community leader, Salifu Sakar, expressed concern about the lack of compensation for those affected by the project, especially since the original land measurement was breached.

The Accra-Kumasi Expressway, part of the government's Big Push Agenda, is Ghana's largest road infrastructure project. When completed, it will stretch approximately 176 kilometers from the capital to the country's middle belt, offering a faster alternative route. The Ghana Armed Forces have been working tirelessly to clear the right of way, braving harsh weather conditions to complete the task.

Although communities along the stretch acknowledge the benefits of the expressway, they remain optimistic about its potential economic gains. They urge the government to expedite the construction process to benefit from the promised improvements in transportation and accessibility.