How Accra-Kumasi Expressway could hurt Ashanti Region – Okatakyie Afrifa-Mensah Explains

Ghanaian media personality Okatakyie Afrifa-Mensah has raised concerns about the proposed Accra-Kumasi Expressway, questioning whether the major road project could have unintended economic consequences for the Ashanti Region, particularly Kumasi and businesses that depend on the existing highway.

His concerns centre on the potential impact of the new expressway on commercial activities, transportation and livelihoods along the current Accra-Kumasi road corridor.

The proposed 198.7-kilometre expressway is expected to connect Accra and Kumasi through a six-lane dual carriageway. Government projections indicate that the project could reduce travel time between the two cities by approximately half and lower transportation costs by nearly 40 per cent.

However, concerns have emerged over how the new road could affect communities and businesses that currently benefit from the movement of travellers, commercial drivers and goods along the existing highway.

Kumasi, the commercial capital of the Ashanti Region, serves as a major trading and distribution centre for businesses across several parts of Ghana. The existing Accra-Kumasi highway plays an important role in connecting traders, transport operators and manufacturers to markets in both regions.

If a significant proportion of motorists and commercial vehicles switch to the new expressway, businesses that depend heavily on traffic along the existing route could experience changes in customer numbers and commercial activity.

Transport operators, roadside businesses, food vendors, fuel stations and other service providers along the old highway could also face increased competition for customers if traffic patterns change.

The expressway is expected to feature eight major interchanges, tolling facilities and service areas designed to support motorists and improve transportation efficiency.

The debate surrounding the project has therefore extended beyond its construction and expected benefits to include questions about its long-term economic implications for communities along the existing road.

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