By Bright Ntramah
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has cut sod for work to begin on the reconstruction of the Accra Tema motorway at the cost of 380 million dollars. The 19.5-kilometre motorway will be modernized into a 10-lane expressway in a Public Private Partnership Agreement under a 30-year design, finance build, operate, and maintain concession.
President Akufo-Addo said the ceremony marks the beginning of a bold and innovative approach to infrastructure development, the first public-private partnership, in the history of Ghana’s road infrastructure. The Accra-Tema Motorway, commissioned in 1965 by Ghana’s first president Kwame Nkrumah, has served as a vital artery for our country’s development for nearly six decades.
Designed with a 50-year lifespan, this iconic road has withstood the test of time, carrying an average of 45,000 vehicles per day, an extraordinary proof of its importance. However, the time has come for the Akufo-Addo-led government to renew this legacy and ensure that it continues to serve the people of Ghana for generations to come.
The entire project encompasses the redevelopment of three critical sections of national road network, the Accra Tema Motorway, the George Bush Highway, and a key link from Nsawam Road to the N1.
Together, these three project components represent over 27 kilometres of infrastructure that will enhance connectivity and economic viability across the country. The first section of the project, consist of transforming the existing 19.5 kilometre motorway into a modern 10-lane expressway.
It also comprises of an upgrade of key infrastructure upgrades such as the reconstruction of the Tetteh Quashie interchange, the creation of the Teshie link, the Community 18 interchange, the Lashibi interchange, and 10 new footbridges. It will also rehabilitate and widen Liberation Road to Polo Club, construct an overpass south of the Teteh Quashie interchange, and improve traffic flow on Lagos Avenue. The total cost of the entire project scope of work is 660 million dollars, Through the leadership of government and the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund, the government have secured 380 million dollars in equity and viability gap funding for the first phase.
President Akufo-Addo noted that the project when completed will significantly improve travel times and reduce vehicle operating costs. The President was full of joy that the reconstruction and expansion of the Accra Tema Motorway is taking place during my tenure his tenure as President.
“This project is proof of my government’s commitment to building a Ghana that is modern, prosperous, and connected.” He asked the Ministries of Roads and Highways and Finance to continue working diligently to ensure that this project is delivered on time and within budget.
The Minister of Finance, Dr Amin Adam said government has spent 10 billion Ghana cedis on road infrastructure alone, and are about to spend another 7 billion Ghana cedis before the end of the year on road infrastructure. The Accra Tema motorway project alone the Minister noted is expected to generate approximately 1,500 jobs over the next 36 months.
“The redevelopment of the motorway will enhance connectivity, reduce travel time, improve safety, and create jobs. The first phase alone is expected to generate approximately 1,500 jobs over the next 36 months. The approach, ladies and gentlemen, that we have taken in delivering this project reflects the government’s commitment to sustainable development”.
The Minister of Roads and Highways, Francis Asenso Boagye appealed to Motorists and travellers to exercise care and restraints as work begins.
The Project is expected to be completed within 36 months with Messrs Maripoma Enterprise Limited a wholly owned Ghanaian entity tasked to execute the project.
