Agbodza urges contractors to speed up work on Accra-Kumasi Bypass

The Minister noted that particular attention must be given to the Konongo section, which he described as one of the most difficult portions of the project due to the severe congestion caused by traffic on the existing road.

He made the remarks on Tuesday, September 29, during an inspection of ongoing works on the bypass.

The Minister acknowledged the efforts of contractors who had returned to site after periods of inactivity, but challenged those progressing slowly to increase their pace.

“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,” he said.

He noted that some contractors had made considerable progress, with at least one contractor having completed and handed over its section of the road.

He, however, stressed that differences in terrain across the various lots should not prevent contractors from giving their maximum effort.

“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 stated.

Konongo section a major concern

According to the Minister, the Konongo bypass remains a major concern for residents and other stakeholders in the Ashanti Region because of the traffic congestion along the existing carriageway.

He said stakeholders had repeatedly appealed for the section to be completed quickly, prompting efforts by the ministry and the Ghana Highway Authority to get contractors back to work.

“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,” he said.

The Minister said the immediate objective is to make the Konongo section usable as soon as possible, even as full construction continues.

“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,” Agbodza said.

“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."