Accra-Kumasi Expressway design makes provision for future railway line – Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has revealed that the design of the Accra-Kumasi Expressway includes provisions for a future railway line connecting the two cities. This inclusion is part of the government's strategy to create an integrated road and rail transport network across the nation. During the handover ceremony of the Right of Way for the expressway, Mahama disclosed that space has been left in the expressway specifically for a potential rail line between Accra and Kumasi.

He further mentioned that the Finance Minister would be tasked with developing a financing plan to rejuvenate Ghana's railway sector. Mahama emphasized that combining road and rail infrastructure would significantly improve the transportation of both passengers and goods, especially along key economic routes. He stated that this approach would streamline the movement of goods and passengers throughout the country.

In addition to this, Mahama outlined a larger vision to establish an expressway network that would stretch from Aflao in the east to Elubo in the west, with the Accra-Kumasi Expressway eventually extending towards the northern regions. He also highlighted the progress being made on the Eastern Corridor, with plans to later focus on the Western Corridor.

To enhance connectivity around major urban centers, Mahama said the Accra-Kumasi Expressway would be integrated with the Greater Accra and Ashanti orbital road networks. The Ashanti Orbital, also known as the Kumasi Outer Ring Road, is already under construction as part of the government's Big Push program. This project will enable heavy-duty trucks traveling from southern parts of the country towards Burkina Faso and other northern destinations to bypass Kumasi, thereby reducing pressure on the city's roads.

Furthermore, Mahama explained that the Greater Accra Orbital would provide an alternative route for motorists traveling from Aflao who have no need to enter Accra. The eventual connection of these two orbital roads through the Accra-Kumasi Expressway would result in a more efficient and integrated transport system across Ghana.