Reconstruction of the 33.4 km Ofankor-Nsawam road into six lanes carriage way starts on July 20, 2022 and expected to be completed within 24 months at the cost GH¢341.48 million.
The Ministry of Roads and Highways through Ghana Highway Authority awarded the contract to Messrs Maripoma Enterprise Limited with Associated Consultant Limited as the consultant.
The scope of work includes reconstruction of the existing asphaltic concrete pavement, expansion of the main carriageway from 2-lanes to 3-lanes including service lanes and provision of 11 safe pedestrian crossing facilities.
4 interchanges
The rest are provision of four interchanges, provision of adequate drainage structures, provision of streetlights and provision of traffic signs and road markings.
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 project objectives include reduction in travel time, reduction in vehicle operating cost, reduction in waiting time for public transport and reduction road crashes within the section
Backgound
The Ofankor-Nsawam Road, which forms part of the National Route 6 (N6), is the most economic road in Ghana connecting the capital city, Accra to the second largest city, Kumasi.
It also serves as a major arterial for communities in the Ga West Municipality, 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.
In addition, it is also a vital link for trade between Ghana and its neighbouring landlocked countries (Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger) and for transit cargo to move from the Ports of Ghana to these countries. Government recognizes the importance of road transport in facilitating socio-economic development of the country.
It is in this decision that 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.
Project description
The existing 2-lane dual carriageway is to be developed into 3-lane dual carriageway with service lanes and interchanges. The scope of the work includes preliminary engineering design and detailed engineering design.
