The Minister for Defence, Dominic Nitiwul, has advocated for the 48th Engineers Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces to lead the construction of the proposed multi-lane Accra-Kumasi Highway under President John Mahama’s Big Push programme. He argues that the regiment’s engineering wing is uniquely equipped to execute the project efficiently, citing their capability to work around the clock and their proven track record in infrastructure development. The 48th Engineers Regiment, based in Accra, has a history of supporting critical infrastructure projects, including road construction and flood relief efforts, such as the proposed deployment in the Upper West Region in 2021 to create alternative routes after flooding. Their expertise in engineering and logistics, combined with military discipline, positions them as a reliable choice for large-scale projects like the Accra-Kumasi Highway, which is a key component of the Big Push programme aimed at boosting Ghana’s infrastructure and economic development.
The Minister’s emphasis on 24/7 operations suggests a focus on speed, but the project’s success will also depend on funding, technical expertise, and coordination with civilian agencies like the Ministry of Roads and Highways. The idea aligns with historical precedents where the Ghana Armed Forces have contributed to national development projects, but its feasibility and public reception remain open questions.
