Josiah
In a significant move to advance Ghana’s infrastructure, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has officially broken ground for the reconstruction of the Accra-Tema Motorway, marking a crucial milestone in the nation’s development.
Speaking at the ceremony on Monday, August 26, 2024, President Akufo-Addo emphasized the enduring importance of the Accra-Tema Motorway, originally commissioned in 1965 by Ghana’s first President, Kwame Nkrumah. “For nearly six decades, this motorway has served as a vital artery for our nation’s growth, carrying an average of forty-five thousand vehicles daily,” he said. “However, it is now time to renew this legacy and ensure it continues to benefit future generations.”
The President highlighted the project as Ghana’s first Public-Private Partnership (PPP) in road infrastructure, a strategy aimed at enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and fiscal responsibility. “By combining the expertise and resources of the public and private sectors, and with strategic support from the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF), we are not just building a road; we are building a future,” he stated.
The Accra-Tema Motorway reconstruction will be carried out in three phases: from the Accra-Tema Motorway Roundabout to the Tetteh Quarshie Interchange, from the Tetteh Quarshie Interchange to the Apenkwa Interchange, and from the Apenkwa Interchange to Neoplan Junction on the Accra-Kumasi Road. The sod-cutting ceremony marks the start of construction on the first section, a crucial phase that will enhance connectivity and support economic growth in the region.
President Akufo-Addo reaffirmed his government’s commitment to modernizing Ghana’s infrastructure to meet 21st-century demands. “We have already made significant progress with ongoing projects like the dualization of the Santasi-Ahiakwanta Road and the Adenta-Dodowa Road,” he noted, adding that other key road projects, such as the dualization of the Kasoa-Winneba Road and the Takoradi-Agona Junction Road, are steadily advancing.
He also announced the mobilization of contractors for the Atsutsuare-Volivo-Aveyime and Dafor-Adidome-Asikuma Roads, which include an interchange at Asikuma Junction. These projects, funded by the Government of Ghana and the African Development Bank, aim to significantly improve travel times and reduce vehicle operating costs.
Additionally, substantial progress has been made on other major road projects. The President provided updates on the dualization of the Achimota-Ofankor Road, which is being expanded into a ten-lane facility and is currently 62% complete, as well as the construction of the Dome-Kitase Road, which is 26% complete. He also mentioned the construction of the Tema-Akosombo Road, with sections being dualized to six lanes, and the Obetsebi Lamptey Interchange (Phase 2), which is 87% complete.
President Akufo-Addo expressed his appreciation to the officials and professionals from the Ministry of Roads and Highways, the Ministry of Finance, the Office of the Attorney General, the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund, and their consultants for their efforts in developing a PPP structure that leverages Ghanaian expertise. “Their dedication to this project is highly commendable,” he acknowledged.
He took pride in the fact that the contractor for the first phase of the project is M/S Maripoma Enterprise Ltd., a wholly Ghanaian-owned company. “This showcases the capability and ingenuity of our local enterprises, and I am confident they will deliver this project to the highest standards,” he remarked.
President Akufo-Addo emphasized the importance of undertaking such a monumental project during his administration. “The reconstruction and expansion of the Accra-Tema Motorway is a testament to my government’s commitment to building a modern, prosperous, and connected Ghana,” he affirmed. He urged the Ministries of Roads and Highways and Finance to continue working diligently to ensure the project’s timely and cost-effective completion.
As Ghana embarks on this transformative journey, President Akufo-Addo’s administration remains focused on creating a strong infrastructure foundation that will drive economic growth and improve the quality of life for all Ghanaians. “Together, we are laying the groundwork for a brighter future,” he concluded.
The ceremony was attended by government officials, local leaders, and stakeholders, who expressed optimism about the future of Ghana’s infrastructure development.
