Kwasi Amoako-Atta
A GH¢341.48m project to reconstruct the Ofankor-Nsawam portion of the Accra-Kumasi highway will begin on July 20, 2022.
The Ministry of Roads and Highways said the 24-month scheme to rehabilitate the 33.4km dual carriage way has been due to start and would be completed on July 19, 2024.
The project is designed to improve the existing carriageway and forms part of the National Route Six (N6), which is the most economic road in Ghana connecting the capital city, Accra, to the second largest city, Kumasi, the capital of Ashanti Region, and it will be undertaken by Messrs Maripoma Enterprise Limited.
In a statement, the ministry said the road also serves as a major arterial for communities in the Ga West Municipal Assembly, namely Pokuase, Amasaman, Medie, Sarpeiman among others.
“The strategic location of the Ofankor-Nsawam road makes it one of the most important links in Ghana’s network as it serves the northern, central, western, and southern parts of the country, thereby generating a huge band of influence on the transportation for the people of Ghana,” the statement noted.
It added that the road again serves a vital link for trade between Ghana and its neighbouring landlocked countries such as Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, and for transit cargo to move from the ports of Ghana to these countries.
Scope of Works
Under the project, the Roads and Highways Ministry said there would be reconstruction of the existing asphaltic concrete pavement; expansion of the main carriageway from 2-lanes to 3-lanes, including service lanes; provision of 11 No. safe pedestrian crossing facilities; provision of 4 No. interchanges; provision of adequate drainage structures; provision of streetlights; and provision of traffic signs and road markings.
Background
The government recognises the importance of road transport in facilitating socio-economic development of the country, and through the National Transport Policy of the Ministry of Roads and Highways, set out objectives to create an integrated, efficient, cost-effective and sustainable transport system in response to the needs of society, supporting growth and poverty reduction.
It said the Ofankor-Nsawam road, despite its strategic importance, is in a deplorable condition, characterised by severe depressions, potholes and drainage problems, thus creating severe traffic congestion within this portion of the road.
The objective is to reduce travel time, vehicle operating cost, waiting time for public transport, and road crashes within the section.
Project Description
Cecil Nii Obodai Wentum, Head of Public Affairs at the GHA, told DAILY GUIDE that the existing two-lane dual carriageway is to be developed into a three-lane dual carriageway with service lanes and interchanges.
BY Ernest Kofi Adu