President Nana Akufo-Addo has officially cut sod for the commencement of the Accra-Tema Motorway Expansion Project, a significant initiative aimed at modernizing Ghana’s infrastructure.
The project, which is part of the government’s broader strategy to enhance the country’s competitiveness in the 21st century, will breathe new life into a key transportation corridor that has served the nation for nearly six decades.
Originally commissioned in 1965 by Ghana’s first President, Kwame Nkrumah, the Accra-Tema Motorway has been a vital artery, accommodating an average of 45,000 vehicles daily.
Recognizing the motorway’s central role in Ghana’s transportation network, President Akufo-Addo emphasized the importance of renewing this legacy to ensure it continues to benefit future generations.
“This project marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to modernize Ghana’s infrastructure,” President Akufo-Addo stated during the sod-cutting ceremony.
“We are committed to ensuring that our nation remains competitive in the 21st century.”
The Accra-Tema Motorway Expansion Project stands out as the first Public-Private Partnership (PPP) in the history of Ghana’s road infrastructure.
This pioneering approach brings together the expertise and resources of both the public and private sectors, with strategic backing from the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF).
According to President Akufo-Addo, this model sets a new standard for infrastructure development in the country, promising efficiency, sustainability, and fiscal responsibility.
The project will be executed in three phases, with the first phase focusing on the stretch from the Accra-Tema Motorway Roundabout to the Tetteh Quarshie Interchange. This section is deemed crucial for improving connectivity and stimulating economic growth in the region.
In addition to the motorway expansion, the president highlighted other significant infrastructure projects currently underway. These include the dualization of the Santasi-Ahiakwanta Road, the Adenta-Dodowa Road, the Kasoa-Winneba Road, and the Takoradi-Agona Junction Road.
These projects, funded by the Government of Ghana and the African Development Bank, are designed to improve travel times and reduce vehicle operating costs, further contributing to the country’s economic development.
President Akufo-Addo extended his gratitude to the officials and professionals from various government ministries and agencies, including the Ministry of Roads and Highways, the Ministry of Finance, the Office of the Attorney General, and the GIIF, whose collective efforts made the project possible.
He also expressed pride in the selection of M/S Maripoma Enterprise Ltd., a wholly Ghanaian-owned company, as the contractor for the first phase of the project.
This, he noted, is a testament to the capability and ingenuity of domestic enterprises.
“Together, we are building a modern, prosperous, and connected Ghana,” President Akufo-Addo concluded.
