Accra-Kumasi Expressway estimated to cost $2.98bn, with $1bn savings earmarked for orbital road – Ato Forson

Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has announced that the construction of the proposed Accra-Kumasi Expressway is estimated to cost US$2.98 billion, with projected savings of more than US$1 billion expected to be sufficient to finance the construction of the Accra Orbital Expressway.

Presenting the 2027 Budget Statement, Dr Forson disclosed that as of November 11, 2026, the Accra-Kumasi Expressway project account held approximately US$3 billion at the Bank of Ghana.

According to the Finance Minister, the amount represents funds available in the dedicated project account for the construction of the major road infrastructure project.

He further indicated that the government expects to achieve savings exceeding US$1 billion on the Accra-Kumasi Expressway project.

The estimated savings, he said, would be enough to support the construction of the Accra Orbital Expressway, potentially allowing the government to undertake another major road project using the savings generated from the initial project.

The two projects form part of the government’s broader infrastructure development agenda, with the Accra-Kumasi Expressway expected to improve connectivity between the country’s two major economic centres.

Communications Service Tax revenue to support youth programmes

In another announcement, Dr Forson said revenue from the Communications Service Tax (CST) allocated to youth employment and apprenticeship programmes will no longer be subject to a cap.

The decision is expected to allow more revenue from the tax to be channelled into programmes aimed at creating employment opportunities and supporting skills development among young people.