President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has for the umpteenth time inaugurated another interchange, the Tema motorway interchange Phase II, in the Greater Accra region.

This is the third interchange, President Akufo-Addo has inaugurated in just two weeks.

On November 19, the President inaugurated the Flowerpot Interchange in Accra, followed closely by the Obetsebi Lamptey interchange on November 29, 2024.

The phase two of the Tema interchange is a full 3-tear interchange, with the flyover on Tema harbour, south side to Akosombo, north side of the road.

It was constructed with high-quality steel gutter bridge.

Both the phase one and two project design, and construction cost brought the total grant to about $91 million.

Testament

President Akufo-Addo said the Tema project  was a testament to the power of vision, determination and collaboration and  also represented the unfriending dedication to addressing the long-standing challenges of mobility, economic growth, and regional integration.

He said the mission of the government on that journey was to alleviate the persistent traffic congestion that had plagued that critical corridor for years.

In June 2020, during the commissioning of phase one, "I pledged to the Ghanaian people that phase two would follow swiftly, enhancing the benefits of the first phase. Today, I am proud to say that that promise has been fulfilled,” he said.

This project, he said, was yet to enhance traffic flow to inform the largest seaport, Tema habour, by reducing delays and eliminating gridlock and expedite the movement of goods, enhance trade facilitation, and stimulate economic activity, not just within Ghana, but across the ECOWAS region.

Beyond its immediate benefits, President Akufo-Addo added, that the project underscored the position of Ghana as a hub for regional trade.

He said it complemented the expansion of the 64 kilometre Tema habour-Akosombo corridor which was a vital economic artery connecting key centres of commerce and industry.

Together, he said, these investments were creating a seamless network that supported livelihoods, encouraged innovation, and accelerated development.

Infrastructure

“Infrastructure is the backbone of national progress. Under my leadership, we have prioritised road development as the cornerstone of our 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,” President Akufo-Addo emphasised saying “This remarkable project also highlights the strength of international partnerships.”

The President said the interchange was part of a deliberate strategy to decentralise economic opportunities and ensure equitable development across the nation.

He said  “from the Pokuase interchange, the largest in West Africa, to the Tamale interchange, the first of its kind in Northern Ghana, we have worked tirelessly to open up our country, reduce disparities, and empower communities.”

Funded through a Japanese grant, he said, the project was the largest grant of its kind, extended to Ghana by Japan and reflected the strong bond of friendship and mutual respect between the two nations.

“On behalf of the government and people of Ghana, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to the government and people of Japan. Your steadfast support and expertise have been instrumental in realising this vision. Together, we have demonstrated what can be achieved through shared commitment and collaboration,” he stated.

He also advised all motorists to exercise caution and serve road safety regulations, and prioritise the safety of all road users.

Background

On October 13, 2021, the Japan International Cooperation Agency, (JICA), signed an agreement with the government of Ghana for the improvement of the Tema motorway roundabout phase two.

The Japanese government, through JICA, provided a grant amount of 3,656,000,000 Japanese yen, equivalent to about $33 million to the government of Ghana.

The phase one of the motorway interchange project was implemented through the Japanese Grant, signed on March 31, 2017, with an amount of $6.259 million, equivalent to about $57 million.

The phase one was the construction of the first and longest highway underground tunnel in Ghana in mid-level interchange with ancillary facilities such as pedestrian bridges.

Transformational vision

The Minister for Roads and Highways, Francis Asenso Boakye, said the project was a triumph of engineering and a symbol of the transformational vision and leadership that was guiding the future of the progress and prosperity of the country.

Tracing the history of the project, Mr Asenso Boakye said, the construction of the phase two began in July 2022 and was originally planned for completion on December 14, 2024 but said, the second phase had been completed ahead of schedule.

He mentioned some other road projects earmarked for construction such as the bypasses at Osino, Enyinam and Konongo to divert traffic, especially heavy trucks away from the densely populated communities along that major corridor.

Once completed, he explained, that those bypasses would ensure a seamless flow of traffic to Kumasi and beyond, minimising disruptions from the local traffic.

“This will not only improve road safety, but will also optimise transportation efficiency, supporting economic growth and trade along this corridor,” he added.

Mr Asenso Boakye further mentioned the construction of the Sawla-Wa oad, Techiman-Sunyani road, Tachiman-Wenchi road, Kumase -Mampong road, Jinijini-Sampa road among other roads in the Savannah region and Larteh junction to Larteh road.

These projects, according to the roads and highways minister reflected the commitment of the government to bridge regional disparities, enhancing connectivity, and creating opportunities for all Ghanaians, regardless of their location.

He also assured residents along the Tema-Aflao road of the commitment of government to improve the condition of that road.

“I encourage everyone to remain patient and continue supporting our efforts as we work towards achieving our shared goal,” he assured.