Reconstruction works on the first section of the of 19.5-kilometre Accra-Tema Motorway is progressing steadily with scope of work currently standing at 53 per cent.
The project forms part of the 27.7-kilometre corridor designed to ease congestion, improve road safety and strengthen connectivity between Accra, Tema and adjoining communities.
First section of the project, estimated at US$339million and funded by A.T. Expressway Limited (ATEL), commenced in August 2024 and is scheduled to be completed in August 2027.
Scope of work includes a 10-lane controlled-access highway, reconstruction of the Tetteh Quarshie Interchange and new interchanges at Teshie Link, Community 18 and Lashibi, eight toll plazas and 10 footbridges.
The second section of the project involves widening of the George Bush Highway to a 12-lane controlled-access highway, with improvements at the Dzorwulu Interchange, two toll plazas and two footbridges.
Similarly, the third section will cover the rehabilitation of the six-lane corridor from Neoplan Interchange to Apenkwa, including improvements at the Apenkwa, Achimota and Neoplan interchanges with three footbridges.
Speaking at a media engagement and the official launch of the A.T. Expressway Limited (ATEL) website, the Chief Resident Engineer, Kwabena Bempong, said the project would improve access to Tema Port and industrial centres, enhance regional integration and provide safer pedestrian crossings.
He added that nearly 900 jobs were being created through consultancy and supporting services, while about 280 pieces of equipment had been dedicated to the construction projects.
In his address, the Chief Executive Officer of A.T. Expressway Limited (ATEL), Louis Harrison, indicated that the Accra-Tema Motorway and Extensions Project could serve as a model for delivering major road infrastructure through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), reducing the financial burden on the state.
He explained that the 30-year concession agreement with the government would enable ATEL to finance, reconstruct, expand, operate and maintain the motorway and its extensions in partnership with the Government of Ghana.
According to him, he noted that the initiative demonstrated how private and institutional capital could complement government investment to address Ghana’s infrastructure deficit and support the delivery of modern, safe and well-maintained roads.
He acknowledged the support of President John Dramani Mahama, Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, and Roads and Highways Minister, Kwame Governs Agbodza, in advancing the project.
The CEO further noted that the company had launched www.atexpresswayltd.com to provide motorists, residents, journalists and investors with construction updates, traffic diversions, notices and project milestones.
Acknowledging the inconvenience construction could cause through traffic diversions and delays, and also assured the public that safety and timely communication would remain priorities.
The project is being implemented by A.T. Expressway Limited, a subsidiary of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund, with the Ghana Highway Authority serving as the contracting authority.
Maripoma Enterprise Limited is the contractor for the first section, while Associated Consultants Limited provides consultancy and construction supervision services, working with the Ghana Highway Authority.
FROM STEPHANIE BIRIKORANG, TEMA
