Roads Minister urges contractors to speed up Accra-Kumasi bypass works

Roads and Highways Minister, Governs Kwame Agbodza, has challenged contractors working on the Accra-Kumasi Bypass to accelerate construction, particularly on the troubled Konongo section, to ease congestion and ensure the project stays on track.

The Minister made the call during an inspection of ongoing works on Tuesday, September 29, as he assessed progress across the various sections of the bypass.

He said the Konongo stretch remains a major concern because motorists currently have to rely on the existing carriageway, worsening congestion in the area.

“One of the most challenging lots on the bypasses is Konongo, because of the congestion it creates using the existing carriageway. So the biggest concern of our people in the Ashanti Region about this road is particularly about the Konongo bypass.

“You are right; all the contractors were not working before 2024. And we’ve been working with them and the Highway Authority for a period. And when we were in Kumasi the last time, the stakeholders appealed for a speedy completion. And I remember getting in touch with Kofi Job to remobilise to the site. And indeed, they mobilised to the site even ahead of what we were expecting.

“We want to thank Kofi Job and all of them who have remobilised to the site and are working. We have very high confidence in all the contractors working on the bypass project to be able to complete it by the end of 2027.

“We can see that some of the contractors are working harder than the others. Don’t forget somebody has actually completed his work and handed it over.

“So we are just encouraging the other contractors. Yes, the terrain may not be the same for the various lots, but let’s see you putting in your maximum effort to get this completed,” he said.

Mr Agbodza said the government is particularly focused on getting the Konongo section completed or made usable as quickly as possible, with key structures expected to be completed before Christmas.

“We must necessarily complete this section or at least make it motorable within the shortest possible time. I think before Christmas we should be able to complete those structures so that people can decide to drive on this side as well. It may be dusty a bit, but at least an alternative for this. So we are happy about this,” he said.

The Minister expressed confidence that contractors handling the various sections of the bypass could complete their works by the end of 2027, while urging those making slower progress to step up their efforts.

He also commended contractors who had returned to site after periods of inactivity, noting that the pace of work differs across the various lots.

The Accra-Kumasi Bypass is expected to provide an alternative route for motorists and help ease pressure on the existing carriageway, particularly around the Konongo area.

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