President John Dramani Mahama has inspected progress of rehabilitation works on the Ofankor-Nsawam stretch of the Accra-Kumasi highway.
Work on the 10-lane section had stalled in recent weeks due to lack of funds, aggravating the traffic inconvenience of commuters.
But with US$78 million paid the contractor, work resumed two weeks ago around the clock to make up for the delay the temporary pause may have occasioned.
When completed, the 33.4 kilometres stretch would have a three-tier interchange at Amasaman, overpasses at Pobiman and Medie, an underpass with a roundabout at Nsawam junction and nine pedestrian crosses.
Briefing President Mahama and his team at the Amasaman section yesterday, the Consultant, Kwabena Bimpong, said progress of work at the time of the visit stood at 75 per cent.
According to Mr Bimpong, all things being equal, the rehabilitation works would be done by the second quarter of next year.
He said the stretch which had deteriorated during the halt had been fixed with an asphalt to make it motorable.
He said challenges including the relocation of utilities, and court actions by persons whose properties are in the right of way have been overcome and all set for uninterrupted execution of the project.
Describing the project as a major artery that links Ghana’s two biggest cities – Accra and Kumasi – President Mahama said his government was committed to executing the project to bring relief to the thousands who ply it on daily basis.
“We are happy to see that traffic is flowing but one thing I tell contractors is that you have a duty of site management to ensure that your work does not impede the flow of traffic,” he said.
President Mahama was at a loss how a loan for the project was secured yet there was no money for the previous government to pay contractors when they raised certificates to the extent that his government had to raise US$78 million from Government of Ghana coffers for supplementary payment, resulting in the temporary halt.
“That is something we have to find out. Was it that the loan was not enough? Was it that the estimate was not done properly? So we’ll find out,” President Mahama hinted.
He entreated the contractor to maintain a smooth flow of traffic until the project is completed to spare commuters traffic congestions.
“We’ll hold you to your words to complete the process by end of second quarter next year.”
He assured the contractor of liquidity for uninterrupted work as the project has been moved to the ‘Big Push’ infrastructure initiative of government.
The project, part of the National Route 6, commenced in July 2022 and was originally expected to be completed in 2024, before being extended to May 2025.
The US$346.5 million project is being under¬taken by Maripoma Enterprise Limited.
When completed, the road is expected to ease traffic congestion on the Accra-Nsawam corridor, boost socio-economic activity, re¬duce travel time and facilitate trade between Ghana and its Sahelian neighbours.
BY JULIUS YAO PETETSI
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