The Minority Caucus in Parliament has called on the government to urgently complete ongoing works on the Accra–Kumasi Highway following the fatal road accident at Birimso Bridge that reportedly claimed at least 15 lives.
In a statement issued and signed by the Ranking Member of Parliament’s Roads and Transport Committee, Hon. Kennedy Nyarko Osei. after the tragic multi-vehicle collision on the Kumasi–Accra Highway, the Caucus expressed profound sorrow over the incident and extended its condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.
The Minority also sympathised with those who sustained injuries, wishing them a speedy and full recovery, while assuring the affected families of its solidarity during the difficult period.
According to the Caucus, the latest tragedy underscores the urgent need to address the longstanding safety challenges on one of Ghana’s busiest highways.
It noted that too many lives have been lost on the Accra–Kumasi Highway over the years and stressed that such recurring accidents should no longer be accepted as inevitable.
The Minority therefore appealed to the government to prioritise the completion of all ongoing sections of the highway, including the existing bypasses and other outstanding road works, as an immediate measure to improve safety.
The Caucus further pointed to government’s commitment of US$1.7 billion for the proposed Accra–Kumasi Expressway Project, with the funds reportedly set aside in an escrow account at the Bank of Ghana.
However, it argued that approximately US$300 million would be sufficient to complete the existing bypasses and ongoing works on the current highway.
While acknowledging the importance of the proposed expressway as a long-term infrastructure project, the Minority maintained that completing the existing highway should take precedence because it has the potential to save lives immediately.
The statement urged government to treat the completion of the outstanding works as a matter of national urgency while preparations for the new expressway continue.
