As part of his three-day thank you tour of the Greater Accra Region, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo yesterday inaugurated the second phase of the Tema Motorway Interchange.
This brings to three, the number of interchanges inaugurated by the President in the national capital over the last two weeks, following that of the flowerpot and Obetsebi Lamptey interchanges.
The scope of work on the second phase of the project include three span continuous Steel girder bridge measuring 142metres long, a steel box frame Pier supported on a five metreduametre caisson pile 15 metres deep, mechanically stabilised earth retaining wall combined abutment and, drawing and safety facilities including street lights and other road ancillary works.
Inaugurating the project, President Akufo-Addo stated that the Tema Motorway Interchange was a transformative project that signified the government’s shared vision for a modern prosperous Ghana.
He explained that this was the third interchange that he has had to commission in just two weeks, and that of the Tema Motorway Interchange was another symbol of the country’s progress and an enduring legacy of the Akufo-Addo government’s commitment to improving the lives of Ghanaians.
“This project is a testament to the power of vision, determination, and collaboration. It represents our unflinching dedication to addressing the long-standing challenges of mobility, economic growth, and regional integration,” he explained.
President Akufo-Addo said beyond the immediate benefits, the project underscored the country’s position as a hub for regional trade.
“It complements the expansion of the 64 kilometres Tema habour-Akosombo corridor, a vital economic artery connecting key centres of commerce and industry,” he emphasised.
He stated that these investments were creating a seamless network that supported livelihoods, encouraged innovation, and accelerated development.
Moreover, he said infrastructure was the backbone of national progress and under his leadership, government had prioritised road development as the cornerstone of the nation’s agenda, recognising its profound impact on every aspect of Ghanaian life.
“The Tema Motorway Interchange Phase Two is part of a broader vision to create a Ghana that is connected, inclusive, and globally competitive,” he said.
The country Director of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Ms Suzuki Momoko, indicated that the project formed part of the implementation of the West Africa Corridor Development Growth Ring (WAGRIC) master plan which aimed at enhancing connectivity among West African countries.
She explained that from the regional integration perspective, the improvement of the Tema Motorway Roundabout would also improve the operation of the Tema Port as well as trade and Ghana and her neighbours.
Ms Momoko further underlined that the project was JICA’s first
Interchange project in Ghana and that comprised a flyover on the Tema phase one Interchange project which was completed in June 2020.
She explained, however, that the phase one project was implemented through a Japanese grant of $57million signed on March 2017.
The Minister of Roads and Highways, Francis Asenso- Boakye, elaborated that government’s commitment to improving urban mobility and transforming the lives of Ghanaians, through efficient and sustainable road infrastructure was not in doubt.
He said the completion of the project would significantly improve traffic flow between key arterials, including Tema towards Akosombo and Tema to Prampram- Aflao stretch.
Mr Asenso-Boakye said the Motorway Interchange Phase II Project was indeed a testament to the government’s continuous commitment to improving urban mobility and transforming the lives of Ghanaians, through efficient and sustainable road infrastructure.
He noted that a comprehensive plan had been put in place to ensure regular maintenance in order to ensure the longevity of the project.
BY CLIFF EKUFUL
