The reconstruction of the 23 kilometer Takoradi-Agona-Nkwanta road into a dual carriage one, which began in March 2024 is about 35% complete, Takoradi Area Manager of Ghana Highway Authority (GHA), John Essah Amissah, has disclosed.
“Work is about 35 percent and progressing, and we hope to complete it on schedule”, he said.
He, however, called for patience and public support as the Authority works to address the challenges that have been encountered.
The Takoradi Area GHA Manager made the appeal in an interview with journalists recently.
There have been public uproar, most particularly about the dust emanating from the construction site, especially from Kwesiminstim through Apremdo, Apowa and beyond.
Giving an update on the project, Mr Amissah reported that it is being executed by Justmoh Construction at the cost of $108.6 million and would be completed by March 2027.
Presently, he indicated, the Contractor had rehabilitated 3.8 kilometers, which stretches from Takoradi to Apremdo, adding “we are not changing any alignment”.
Mr Amissah said “So far, the Contractor has done some concrete works and more earthworks were also coming up”.
The Apremdo-Agona Nkwanta section, he told Journalists, would involve the dualisation to expand and improve the existing single lane into a two -lane highway, with additional links including two concrete bridges at Apremdo and Ewusiejoe.
The existing steel bridges, Mr Amissah indicated would give way for the construction of a new concrete bridges to enhance the problem of maintenance of the steel bridges.
“The new bridges are going to ease traffic congestion in this corridor and ensure the free-flow of goods and services along the ECOWAS corridors,” he stated.
Responding to public concerns, Mr Amisaah appealed to residents and motorist to exercise patience and also observe the traffic regulations on the project sites.
The highway project, he said, carried huge economic importance, serving as an internal catalyst for hauling of bauxite and manganese to the Takoradi Port.
“One challenge is the driver behavior. They should slow down when asked to do so. There is a also lot of rainfall at the project sites,” he said.
Meanwhile, Engineers, Consultants and Management of Justmoh Construction Ltd are soliciting public support for the smooth execution of works.
Reacting to concerns of residents along the projects sites, the team assured that, the project was progressing steadily to deliver volumes of economic prospects for the Western Region and the West African sub-region.
Resident Engineer and Consultant, Kofi Adjei Frempong, also assured that they would deliver quality services to ensure value for money.
Chief Executive of Justmoh Construction, Justice Amoh assured journalists that they would complete the project on schedule for the benefit of the communities, Western Region and the nation.
He, however, asked the media to feel free to approach the team to clarify any questions to ensure smooth and successful execution of the project.
On dust suppression, Dr Amoh observed that for the past one month, the weather has been good, but gave assurance that the engineers would do periodic watering of the project sites.
“We will appeal to the public to exercise patience. We’re working on a 23-kilometer stretch. There is the need for sensitisation because at the same time, traffic is going to increase. Again, if you want to put traffic on one leg, you can understand the mode of operation, but we ensure traffic management,” he said.
The project, when completed, Dr Amoh maintained, has huge economic value for the communities, saving traveling time, energy and fuel cost.
He stressed that “At the commercial level, you can’t even quantify it. The Western Region also brings in a lot to the national basket. This is not only number one, it’s also going to improve on national income.”
