The President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, on Monday, August 26, 2024 broke ground for the reconstruction and expansion of the Accra-Tema Motorway.
The project, which will transform the motorway into a modern 10-lane expressway, is the first public-private partnership (PPP) in the history of Ghana’s road infrastructure.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, President Akufo-Addo said the project marked a significant milestone in Ghana’s infrastructure development.
The President highlighted the historical significance of the motorway, originally commissioned in 1965 by Ghana’s first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
“The Accra-Tema Motorway has served as a vital artery for our nation’s development for nearly six decades.
“However, the time has come for us to renew this legacy and ensure that it continues to serve the people of Ghana for generations to come,” he stated.
THREE PHASES
According to the President, the reconstruction project, which is part of a broader vision to modernise Ghana’s infrastructure will be executed in three phases.
He stated that the first section, stretching from the Accra-Tema Motorway Roundabout to the Tetteh Quarshie Interchange will be prioritised.
He said that the project will see the rehabilitation and expansion of the 19.5-kilometer stretch into a modern 10-lane divided highway, with the construction of multiple interchanges and toll plazas to ease traffic congestion and improve safety.
PRAISED PPP
President Akufo-Addo indicated that the PPP arrangement, in particular, signals a new era of collaboration between the public and private sectors.
He praised the PPP model as an innovative approach that exemplifies efficiency, sustainability and fiscal responsibility.
“We are not merely constructing a road; we are building a future. This project stands as a symbol of progress, demonstrating Ghana’s capacity to innovate and lead in infrastructure development,” he said.
FLAGSHIP INITIATIVE
The Minister for Roads and Highways, Francis Asenso Boakye, expressed his excitement about the commencement of the project, describing it as a “flagship initiative” that will signal a new era in Ghana’s infrastructure development.
He outlined the extensive scope of the project, which includes the rehabilitation of three critical sections: the Accra-Tema Motorway, the George Walker Bush Highway and the Nsawam Road.
“The objective of this project is to remove bottlenecks on these major highways to facilitate regional trade and economic integration,” Minister Boakye stated.
He continued that, “Once completed, the expanded motorway will significantly enhance the movement of goods and services between our capital city and our busiest port, the Tema Port, thereby stimulating economic activity and improving the quality of life for millions of Ghanaians.”
Minister Boakye also highlighted the involvement of Ghanaian expertise in the project, with Maripoma Enterprise Limited, a wholly-owned Ghanaian company, leading the construction.
He assured the public that environmental, safety, and traffic management measures would be put in place to minimize inconveniences during the construction phase.
FUNDS AND DURATION
The Minister for Finance, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, stated in his remarks that the total cost of the entire project scope of work is US$660 million, with the first section alone requiring US$380 million.
He added that through the strategic leadership of the government and the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund, US$380 million in equity and viability gap funding have been secured.
The first phase of the project is expected to be completed within 36 months, generating approximately 1,500 jobs and enhancing connectivity, reducing travel time, and improving safety for all road users.
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE
The Minister for Finance, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, emphasised the strategic importance of the project to Ghana’s economy and the broader West African sub-region.
He noted that the Accra-Tema Motorway has played a critical role in Ghana’s economic journey since its construction and that the time has come to renew and expand the motorway to meet the needs of a modern and rapidly developing Ghana.
Dr. Adam highlighted the innovative financial model behind the project, which relies on a toll-based system to recover the costs of the completed infrastructure.
“This approach ensures that we can repay lenders and provide returns for equity investors while minimizing the financial burden on the government.
“This is a forward-thinking model that will enable us to undertake more such projects in the future and ensure the sustainable development of our road infrastructure,” he said.
COMMENDATION
The Minister of Finance also lauded President Akufo-Addo’s administration for its significant investments in road infrastructure, noting that between January and June, this year, the government has spent GH¢10 billion on road projects, with an additional GH¢7 billion expected to be spent by the end of the year.
He emphasised that public sector funding alone would not be sufficient to close the infrastructure financing gap and that the PPP approach being implemented for the Accra-Tema Motorway project serves as a model for future infrastructure developments across the country.
