Accra-Tema Motorway: Keep the project on track

The reconstruction of the Accra-Tema Motorway is an important investment in Ghana’s transport infrastructure, with the potential to ease congestion, improve road safety and support economic activity along one of the country’s busiest corridors.

With work on the first 19.5-kilometre section reported to be 53 per cent complete, there is reason to be encouraged. However, the real measure of success will be whether the project is completed on schedule, within the agreed arrangements and to the required standards.

The US$339 million first section, which began in August 2024 and is expected to be completed in August 2027, is part of a wider 27.7-kilometre corridor intended to improve connectivity between Accra, Tema and adjoining communities. Its scope, including a 10-lane controlled-access highway, new interchanges, toll plazas and footbridges, reflects the scale of the intervention needed to respond to growing traffic volumes.

For commuters, commercial drivers and businesses, the expectations are high.

The Accra-Tema corridor serves residential communities, industrial centres and the country’s principal seaport. Traffic delays along the route impose costs on workers, transport operators and businesses, while poorly managed road construction can add to the daily frustrations of motorists.

The authorities and the project managers must sustain the current progress and ensure that the August 2027 deadline for the first section is met. Delays on a project of this scale would prolong disruption and potentially increase costs. Regular monitoring, transparent reporting and prompt resolution of construction challenges must therefore remain priorities.

Equally important is the management of traffic during construction. Diversions and temporary restrictions may be unavoidable, but motorists should receive timely, clear information about affected sections, alternative routes and changes to traffic arrangements.

The launch of the A.T. Expressway Limited website is a useful step, provided it becomes a reliable source of practical, regularly updated information rather than merely a platform for announcements.

Safety must also be central to the project.

Construction zones should be properly marked, with adequate lighting, visible warning signs and effective traffic control. Pedestrians, particularly children, older people and persons with disabilities, must not be left to negotiate dangerous crossings because of ongoing works. The planned footbridges should be accessible, conveniently located and properly maintained.

Ultimately, the Accra-Tema Motorway project must deliver more than wider roads. It must provide safer journeys, dependable travel times and infrastructure that supports economic growth.

The government, the Ghana Highway Authority and ATEL must work together to ensure that the project stays on schedule, construction disruption is minimised and public confidence is maintained.

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