Josiah
Motorists who use the Dr Busia Highway through the Kaneshie Pamprom Junction will have to brace themselves for changes in traffic movement from Monday, September 7, 2026, as construction begins on a major stormwater drainage project under the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) Project.
The westbound carriageway at Pamprom Junction will be temporarily closed, affecting motorists travelling towards First Light Junction and other destinations along the route. The closure is expected to remain in place until the end of November 2026, when the first phase of the drainage works is scheduled to be completed.
The project is intended to address the persistent flooding challenges along the Kaneshie-Mallam corridor by replacing the existing drainage pipes with a double-cell underground rectangular drain. The new drain will be about 10 metres wide and extend for approximately 1.95 kilometres.
The wider drainage project is expected to run from September 2026 to October 2027 and forms part of government’s broader efforts to improve stormwater management and reduce flooding across the Odaw Basin.
Ahead of the road closure, the Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, Ahmed Ibrahim, has directed the contractor to put in place effective traffic management measures to minimise inconvenience to motorists and pedestrians.
During an inspection of preparations at Pamprom Junction and other sections of the corridor, the Minister called for clearly marked diversion routes, adequate road signs, proper barricades and enough traffic management personnel at key intersections.
He stressed that keeping motorists and pedestrians safe must remain a priority throughout the construction period.
Mr Ibrahim also directed the contractor to intensify public education on the closure, using television, radio, online platforms and community engagements to ensure that commuters are adequately informed before the diversion begins.
He said giving motorists sufficient notice would allow them to plan their journeys and avoid unnecessary delays.
The Ablekuma Central Municipal Assembly and the Accra Metropolitan Assembly have also been directed to remove all on-street parking along the designated diversion routes by close of business on Saturday. The move is expected to create more space and improve the flow of traffic once the diversion takes effect.
GARID Project Coordinator, Dr Kwadwo Ohene Sarfo, said the first phase of the traffic management plan would remain in place until the end of November 2026. While that phase is expected to be completed by November, the broader drainage construction will continue until October 2027.
For motorists who regularly use the busy Kaneshie-Mallam corridor, the immediate challenge will be the diversion at Pamprom from Monday. Authorities are therefore urging commuters to take note of the alternative routes, leave home earlier than usual and follow road signs and instructions from traffic personnel.
When completed, the drainage project is expected to improve the management of stormwater along the corridor and provide a more lasting response to flooding that has repeatedly disrupted communities and road users in the area.
Source: Omanghana
