VICE PRESIDENT, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has officially cut sod to convert the Tema Motorway roundabout into an intersection to provide uninterrupted traffic flow for trade facilitation and transit in the West African sub-region.
The Grid International Separation Project is to improve international road corridors by linking Abidjan to Lome.
This marks the first interchange to be constructed by a Japanese firm in Ghana, Shimizu-Dai Nippon JV, at an estimated cost of $57 million.
Funding for the project was done by the Japanese government through the Japan International Corporation Agency (JICA).
The project is expected to be completed in June, 2020 to improve the capacity of the Tema roundabout and its legs for safety and efficiency of transport in the Greater Accra Region.
Delivering the keynote address on Wednesday, the Vice President said the improvement of the roundabout is very significant because when completed, it will enhance the road network connecting the four principal corridors of four West African countries in the West African Growth Ring such as Tema-Ougadougou-Abidjan-Lome.
Secondly, the Vice President observed that the project will also ease traffic congestion on the motorway roundabout which links the industrial city and the major port of the country.
The Vice President also outlined the importance that government of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo attaches to roads development, promising massive road improvements in the country.
Focusing on road safety in the country, he expressed worry over the indiscipline and reduction in the quality of driving which are contributing to increased carnage on the roads as most Ghanaian drivers are becoming inpatient when driving.
Dr. Bawumia expressed gratitude to the Japanese Government and JICA and all key stakeholders who have contributed in diverse ways to the success of the Trans-Africa highway project.
The Minister of Roads and Highways, Kwasi Amoako-Atta mentioned that the improvement of the Tema grid separation intersection is a five legged roundabout serving Ghanaians and neighbouring countries.
He believed the project will boost commercial activities and reduce traffic congestion in the Tema Metropolis.
Elucidating, the Minister said the project will be constructed in two phases with the first phase involving demolition of the existing facilities, construction of 2.1 km three lane dual carriage with 730m underpass on the national route (N1) beginning from the toll station on the Accra-Tema motorway and ending around the Allied Filling Station on the Aflao road.
He continued that phase one will also consist of improvement of approximately 1.9km two lane dual carriage on the national route (N2) from the Ashaiman roundabout onto the Harbour road, construction of retaining wall and box culvert, construction of service road ramps, construction of pedestrian bridges, provision of adequate road safety furniture to safeguard lives and property among others.
He stressed that phase two will commence after successful completion of phase one project which also include the construction of a flyover on the Akosombo-Tema harbour road.
For his part, the Country Representative of JICA, Hoshi said the grant is in response to a request made by the government of Ghana to the Japanese Government to provide assistance to Ghana for the first phase of the project.
“This project in effect, will attract more investments into Ghana and thus encourage self-sustaining growth which I believe is in line with government’s quest for Ghana Beyond Aid’,” he said.
From Vincent Kubi & Emma Davies, Tema