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Tag: Tema Motorway

  • Work on Tema Motorway expansion to be completed by August 2027 – Project Manager

    Work on Tema Motorway expansion to be completed by August 2027 – Project Manager

    Completion of the Accra-Tema Motorway expansion has been scheduled for August 2, 2027, according to Project Manager Engineer Ben Sackey. He made the disclosure during an on-site inspection led by the Minister of Roads and Highways, Kwame Agbodza, on Tuesday, March 31.


    According to him, “We have not programmed for an extension, so we are trusting that we can maintain the same completion date of August 2, 2027”. Meanwhile, contractors on the project has noted that the relocation of utility lines, could potentially delay the scheduled timeline.


    The Minister for Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza, on the other hand has projected a two-year timeline for the completion of all current and upcoming road projects under the government’s “Big Push” initiative.


    In an interview with the media on Friday, July 31, Mr Agbodza stated that when road projects were abandoned midway are over, as the government is committed to completing all ongoing and future works within the stipulated time frame.


    According to him, all “Big Push” projects will begin by the end of the month August, excluding the Dambai Bridge, which will commnce once its structural has been finalized.


    “The average Ghanaian has come to accept something that is completely unacceptable, because they see road projects start around their backyard, and no one can tell them when it will be completed. We want to reset. ‘Reset’ means we need to change that narrative.


    “All the projects have been deliberately structured to span two years, 24 months, and we will not go beyond that,” he said.


    “Sometimes, a contractor is awarded 100 kilometers of road. People forget that constructing 100 kilometers is not a small undertaking. There may be people who are more interested in how much it costs — they focus on the money involved. So contractors take the job, and for seven or eight years, they do nothing. We want to avoid that,” he added.


    Parliament on July 30 unanimously endorsed the government’s proposal to divert all royalties that will be received from oil revenues and mineral royalties to support the implementation of the Big Push Programme.
    This comes after the government requested Parliament approve committing funds to assist in the construction of certain road projects.


    Mr Isaac Adongo, the Chairman of the Parliament’s Finance Committee, while presenting the report by the Budget and Finance joint committee to the plenary, said, “the Committee has carefully considered the Referral, and it is of the opinion that the request is in the right direction.”


    The Committee also noted that Parliament had already approved the policy and the allocation to the “Big Push” Programme in the 2025 Budget Statement. Granting the request would enable the Government to enter into multi-year contracts to execute the road infrastructure projects under the Programme.


    “The Committee accordingly recommends to the House to approve the Request for the multi-year commitments for the selected road projects under the “Big Push” Programme contained in the Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review of the 2025 Budget Statement and Economic Policy of the Government of Ghana, in accordance with Section 33 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016, (Act 921),” Mr Adongo said.


    The initiative aimed at improving road infrastructure across the country is estimated at GHC13.8 billion, and it is expected to be completed by 2028 with support from the country’s own financial resources.
    According to the 2025 budget, GH¢5.75 billion is owed by the Road Fund, with an allocation of GH¢2.81 billion programmed for road maintenance.


    This represents a 155.5% increase from the 2024 allocation of GH¢1.1 billion, underscoring the government’s emphasis on sustaining Ghana’s road network.


    The Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, on Wednesday, July 30, revealed that his ministry has undertaken studies and prepared comprehensive engineering interventions and cost estimates for road projects under the Big Push Programme.


    The Ministry of Finance has since issued commitment authorizations for some twenty-nine (29) road infrastructure projects under the Big Push Programme which include: Upgrading of Akosombo-Gyakiti-Kudikope Road, Road Dualization of Winneba-Mankessim Road, Rehabilitation of Mankessim-Ajumako-Breman Asikuma-Agona Swedru, Construction of nchi-Elubo Road, and Rehabilitation of Atimpoku-Asikuma Junction Road.


    The government has also selected a number of abandoned road projects, for which no dedicated funding was allocated by the previous administration.

    They include rehabilitation and upgrading of Kasoa-Winneba Road, construction of Suame Interchange and Local Roads, reconstruction of Navrongo-Chuchuliga-Sandema Road, and upgrading of Tumu-Chuchuliga-Navrongo, including construction of a 36m span reinforced concrete bridge over the Kanyibie River and a 24m span reinforced concrete bridge over the Bechelihu river.


    The government will, by the end of July, settle GHC4 billion out of the large debt owed to road contractors. Currently, the government owes road contractors GHC21 billion, according to the Roads Minister.

    President John Mahama emphasized his government’s commitment to infrastructure development under his administration’s 24-hour economy agenda. On his part, prioritising road construction and the swift resumption of stalled road projects holds the key to promoting economic growth and productivity by ensuring adequate regional connectivity.


    The announcement has been met with excitement and optimism by many stakeholders in the construction sector. The Ghana Institute of Engineers and the Association of Road Contractors have largely welcomed the president’s announcement, but they have called for transparency.


    They have called on the government to publish clear timelines and payment schedules to ensure that contractors can plan and mobilize resources effectively.


    In March this year, Deputy Minister for Roads and Highways Alhassan Suhuyini acknowledged the significant financial burden facing the government to clear outstanding debts owed to contractors and suppliers.


    His remarks followed the presentation of the 2025 budget by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, who disclosed that the government’s total commitments to contractors stand at a staggering GH¢67.5 billion.


    He emphasized the importance of prioritizing road maintenance, a sector that has suffered due to poor upkeep. “The minister has stressed that a significant portion of these funds will be directed toward road maintenance.


    This is a smart move because our poor maintenance culture has resulted in roads deteriorating within 8 to 10 years instead of lasting longer,” he explained.


    Mr Suhuyini noted that, in addition to paying off some existing road maintenance debts, the government is looking at a broader infrastructure push.


    “With GH¢10 to GH¢13 billion allocated under the ‘Big Push’ initiative, several new road projects will commence, while some outstanding debts will also be retired,” he added.

  • Streetlights on Tema Motorway, Accra-Tema Beach Road yet to be fixed due to construction – Regional Minister

    Streetlights on Tema Motorway, Accra-Tema Beach Road yet to be fixed due to construction – Regional Minister

    The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Akweley Ocloo, has disclosed that streetlights on the Tema Motorway and the Accra-Tema Beach Road remain non-functional due to ongoing construction activities.

    Speaking during an assessment tour on Tuesday, March 25, Ocloo highlighted that while her office has overseen the restoration of approximately 126 streetlights across various parts of the region, these key routes could not be included in the initiative.

    “Today, March 25, marks exactly my 50 days in office, and I am pleased to report that significant progress has been made. In all, about 126 streetlights have been worked on, including some highways, town roads, and community roads across the 29 MMDAs in the region,” she stated.

    “I must mention that the Tema Motorway and the Accra-Tema Beach Road, which is of very much concern to the general public, could not be lightened because of the ongoing construction works.”

    The restoration effort follows Ocloo’s earlier commitment to ensuring at least 70% of the region’s streetlights are operational within her first 50 days in office. The initiative aims to improve visibility and security across the capital.

    Some of the areas benefiting from the intervention include the George Walker Bush Highway, ACP to Pokuase, Independence Avenue (Jubilee House), and the New Town Junction to Ashaiman road.

    The minister assured the public that plans are in place to restore the remaining non-functional streetlights promptly.

  • Parliament did not approve $660m for Tema Motorway project but $339m – Minority

    Parliament did not approve $660m for Tema Motorway project but $339m – Minority

    The Minority in Parliament has clarified that the approved budget for the Accra-Tema Motorway expansion project is $339 million, not the $660 million previously mentioned.

    President Akufo-Addo launched the project on Monday, August 26, with plans to transform the motorway into a modern 10-lane highway.

    The Minority spokesperson for infrastructure, Governs Agbodza, expressed concerns about the project’s transparency, drawing parallels to other delayed government initiatives such as Agenda 111 and various housing projects.

    “Parliament ONLY approved $339m Multi-Year funding for the project. We did not approve $660m. No one has the right to commit the country to future spending on the project without approval from Parliament,” Governs Agbodza wrote in a statement on Tuesday, August 27.

    The expansion project seeks to reduce traffic congestion and improve safety, ensuring the motorway becomes fully accessible and more efficient.

    Spanning 27.7 kilometers, the project will be carried out in three phases: the first phase will rehabilitate the motorway, the second phase will upgrade the George Walker Bush Highway, and the third phase will enhance the Nsawam Road.

    Below is Agbodza’s full statement.

    ACCRA-TEMA MOTORWAY PROJECT-PARLIAMENT DID NOT APPROVE $660m

    1. The NDC is not against improving the Accra-Tema Motorway. Indeed, we support the principles behind the project and demonstrated same in the past. But will not shirk our responsibility to ensure value for money and accountability.
    2. ⁠Parliament ONLY approved $339m Multi-Year funding for the project. We did not approve $660m. No one has the right to commit the country to future spending on the project without approval from Parliament.
    3. ⁠The source of funding for the project is NOT SUSTAINABLE. The NPP is claiming the source of funds for the project is Mahama’s Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF). The NPP said the same thing about how they were going to fund the so-called Agenda 111, housing projects etc. We all know the status of Agenda 111, etc today . The NPP has collapsed the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF). Unlike the past when GIIF backed projects that are self-financing and sustainable, such as Kotoka Airport Terminal 3 etc, the NPP incompetently invested the funds in unproductive ventures like SKYTRIAIN, PULLMAN HOTEL etc.
    4. In any case, why is NPP not explaining why they cancelled the contract between the Road Ministry and Morta Engils and why they paid $2.5 million towards that unwholesome contract?
    5. The government currently OWES ROAD CONTRACTORS ABOUT GH¢15BILLION for works completed and certified and NOT PAID FOR.

    Currently, the government cannot even fund the payment of salaries, pay Statutory Funds to District Assemblies, NHIA, GETFund, etc. What is the point of cutting sod for $338 million project 3 months before you are booted out of office? IT IS PROPAGANDA FOR VOTES . Ghanaians will not fall for this . NPP, NOT AGAIN.

  • New streetlights to be installed in communities, not highways – Titus-Glover

    New streetlights to be installed in communities, not highways – Titus-Glover

    The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Daniel Nii Kwartei Titus-Glover, has clarified that the upcoming installation of 25,000 street lights will be focused on local communities rather than highways.

    This clarification follows confusion after his comments at an August 6 town hall meeting, where he suggested that these lights were intended for poorly illuminated highways across the nation.

    In his initial remarks, Titus-Glover explained that the government had supported the region with street lighting initiatives, starting with 10,000 lights in 2022, 20,000 in 2023, and an additional 25,000 planned for the current phase.

    “Because criminals don’t like visibility, the government has supported the region to make sure we light up the entire region with some street lights. In phase one, 10,000 streetlights were distributed in 2022.

    “20,000 in 2023 and in phase three, we are going to do 25,000. There is a process in place where a company wants to partner with the regional coordinating council to do a solar one on the Tema Motorway. They will do a pilot from Shiashie through the Airport to 37 to Accra Central.

    “Then we look at the N1 all the way to Weija Gbawe. Then we come to Achimota, the Overhead, through the Forestry Commission, the Achimota Police Station, GIMPA and then we make a turn towards Fiesta Royale.”

    He outlined a pilot project involving solar lights on the Tema Motorway, covering routes from Shiashie to Accra Central and along the N1 highway.

    “These streetlights are not the normal highway lights, it is within the communities. They are different lights from what we have on highways. So that will take another level, to look at it holistically. But for now, what we have distributed is meant for the communities where there are no lights, and visibility is poor because of the absence of these lights, that has been the focus.

    However, Titus-Glover has now specified that the current project will focus on enhancing lighting in local communities, not on major roads.

    “When it comes to highway one, that’s a different thing we want to look at, through the traffic light matter.”

    He emphasized that these street lights differ from those used on highways and that a separate plan is needed to address highway lighting comprehensively.

    Residents have expressed concerns about the dangers of traveling on poorly lit roads, highlighting accidents on routes such as Baah Yard to Pokuase, George Walker Bush Highway, and the Accra-Tema Motorway.

    While the community lighting project is underway, major road lighting issues remain unaddressed.

    The Public Relations Officer for the Ministry of Roads and Highways, Nasir Ahmed Yartey, clarified that the maintenance of faulty street lights falls under local authorities, not the Roads Ministry.

  • “Wicked men and women” – SDK to gov’t over state of Tema motorway

    “Wicked men and women” – SDK to gov’t over state of Tema motorway

    Popular Ghanaian skit comedian SDK has expressed his frustration on social media regarding the Tema motorway‘s expansion project.

    Despite funds being allocated for the upgrade, SDK highlights that there has been minimal progress.

    In a series of tweets, he criticized the project, noting that while the motorway’s sides were initially cleared, they have since become overgrown with bushes, suggesting that work has stalled.

    He pointed out, “They used IMF funds for the motorway expansion, but no significant work has been done. They cleared the sides for expansion, and now it’s just overgrown again—shameful.”

    SDK also raised concerns about ongoing issues such as large potholes and the lack of street lighting, which continue to endanger drivers. He stated, “The motorway still has major potholes and no street lights.”

    His comments echo the sentiments of many Ghanaians who are doubtful about the progress and management of the expansion project, which aims to widen the 19.5-kilometre stretch from the Tetteh Quarshie roundabout to the Tema roundabout into a 10-lane highway. The project, which began in January 2024, has been criticized for its slow pace and questionable use of funds.

    See below post:

  • Overturned truck causes heavy traffic jam on Tema Motorway

    Overturned truck causes heavy traffic jam on Tema Motorway

    A Burkina Faso-registered truck carrying cartons of Oba Spaghetti overturned on the Tema to Accra stretch of the Motorway near KICC, leading to significant traffic congestion.

    The truck spilled its cargo onto the roadside, obstructing one lane of the dual-carriageway.

    Christian Atsu Tsikata, a Channel One TV staff member, reported, “it was unusual that there was traffic when we were getting to KICC because it is often free during that time of the day because it was around 5:10 am at the time we came across the truck.”

    Mr. Tsikata noted, “the traffic situation will worsen as we get into the day because even if the truck is towed, they will still have to manually clear the things from the road and that will delay people using the stretch.”

    The morning rainfall is anticipated to exacerbate the traffic situation, a common occurrence during rainy weather.

  • Accra-Tema Motorway: Danger as scavengers remove majority of nuts from huge billboard

    Accra-Tema Motorway: Danger as scavengers remove majority of nuts from huge billboard

    The lives of motorists and pedestrians who ply the Accra-Tema Motorway are at risk due to the activities of some unscrupulous individuals.

    Scavengers have dismantled almost all the nuts securing a large billboard along the Accra-Tema Motorway, creating a significant threat to public safety as the structure becomes increasingly unstable.

    A strong breeze is likely to cause the billboard to come tumbling down, destroying properties and lives.

  • Government plans eviction of squatters for Accra-Tema Motorway expansion

    Government plans eviction of squatters for Accra-Tema Motorway expansion

    Government is planning to evict squatters along the Tema motorway to pave the way for the much anticipated expansion of the road. 

    Chairman of the Transport Committee in Parliament, Kennedy Osei Nyarko, affirmed this to the media. 

    This decisive move signals the administration’s determination to prioritize infrastructure development despite potential challenges posed by resettlement concerns.

    The government has declared plans to transform the motorway into a 10-lane thoroughfare, incorporating eight flyovers at a cost of $380 million. The construction is anticipated to conclude within a timeframe of 36 months.

    Mr Nyarko explained that the land earmarked for expansion is presently encroached upon by unauthorized squatters, and sections of it have also been legally allocated to private individuals by local assemblies along the stretch.

    In an interview, the Akim Swedru MP, said ample notice has been given to those in the vicinity, thus work on removing them from the area will commence earnestly.

    He, however, stated that those who had acquired land in the area legally through local assembly allocations will be compensated.

    “You remember some time ago, the minister for roads and highways and I went on some tour around the motorway to engage those people there and advise them to relocate because there will soon be critical work on it [the motorway]. It generated a lot of heat; it came on television and whatnot.

    “I mean so already they were notified, those people, the illegal occupants on that stretch were already informed about the intended project the ministry wants to embark on and the advice to relocate. So those people who are occupying those places illegally, I’m not sure they have any legal right of stay on that property. The original owner of that property has come to use it for a project so they have to vacate,” he said.

    He added that “People who maybe the assembly may have legally allocated some land to people and they have developed on it, then certainly the government has to pay compensation to those people for them to relocate.

    “I think it’s part of the arrangement the ministry through GIIF and the contractor would have to look at it to make sure that those who are legally living there may be as a result of the assembly allocating some land to them and putting up their property on it and definitely their property is going to be affected, then it is incumbent on the initiate to find compensation for them.

    “But those occupying there illegally I don’t think they deserve any compensation.”

  • Works on Accra-Tema motorway 10-Lane expansion commences; Minister assures swift progress 

    Works on Accra-Tema motorway 10-Lane expansion commences; Minister assures swift progress 

    In a significant leap towards infrastructural enhancement, the reconstruction and expansion of the Accra-Tema Motorway officially commenced on Tuesday, January 2, 2024. The ambitious project marks a crucial step in the region’s transportation evolution, promising improved connectivity and modernization along the vital corridor.

    Unveiling a bold vision for urban development, the Accra-Tema Motorway embarks on an ambitious 19.5-kilometer, 10-lane expansion project, spanning from the iconic Tetteh Quarshie roundabout to the bustling Tema roundabout. This infrastructural endeavor promises to redefine regional connectivity and contribute to the evolution of transportation networks.

    Overseeing the monumental task of the Accra-Tema Motorway expansion is Maripoma Enterprise Limited, a proudly Ghanaian-owned construction company. This local enterprise assumes a pivotal role in ensuring the successful execution of the transformative project, contributing to both national development and the evolution of Ghana’s infrastructure landscape.

    In a comprehensive tour of ongoing road projects in Accra, Minister of Roads and Highways, Kwasi Amoako-Attah, unveiled key details about the Accra-Tema Motorway expansion project. The announcement signifies a commitment to transparency and public awareness regarding crucial infrastructural developments in the region.

    Undertaking a thorough inspection, Minister of Roads and Highways, Kwasi Amoako-Attah, accompanied by his team, conducted a site visit to assess the progress of ongoing drainage initiatives in Tema Community 11 and 12. Additionally, the team explored the developments in the expansive Tema Motorway expansion project, underscoring the commitment to comprehensive infrastructure assessment and oversight.

    Mr Amoako-Atta said the Accra-Tema Motorway project was the first phase of the expansion project. 

    The second project is from Tetteh Quarshie to Apenkwa while the third phase spans from Apenkwa to Neoplan. 

    He assured that work on the project would be executed with speed and urged institutions which had erected billboards on the road to remove them as soon as possible.

    The Minister said the country would witness road evolution in 2024, characterised by the commissioning of completed projects. 

    Mr Amoako-Atta was impressed with the ongoing drainage work at communities 11 and 12 and commended the contractor for the good work done. 

    He urged contractors to engage the community before the start of any project to ensure effective cooperation since most of the projects normally inconvenience the residents. 

    “You need to put a human face to the work you do by briefing them about the project to enable them to plan adequately on how and where to park their vehicles,” he said. 

    He commended the contractors for repairing most of the slabs in the area to pave the way for the residents to have access to their houses. 

    The Minister advised contractors and engineers to do quality work, stressing that any construction company that did shoddy work will face the law. 

    He expressed concern about the attitudes of some contractors” who think they are doing the residents a favour when undertaking government projects.” 

    “We are interested in value for money, and I will urge contractors to put the nation’s interests at heart and do excellent work,” he said. 

    He said work on the Tema bridge had been completed and stated that so far, 50 of such bridges have been completed across the country. 

    Mr Kingsley Attafuah, Technical Director, Raceg Construction Limited, said work on the Tema drainage system started in July 2023 and that 80 percent of the work had been done. 

    He assured Ghanaians of completing the work on schedule to pave the way for road work starting in March 2024.

  • $338m agreement to expand Accra-Tema Motorway approved

    $338m agreement to expand Accra-Tema Motorway approved

    A $338 million agreement for the expansion of the Tema Motorway redevelopment and expansion project has been approved.

    The said agreement is between the Roads Ministry and the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF). 

    The motorway is expected to be expanded to 10 lanes.

    Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Friday, December 15, while presenting the request, the Chairman of the Roads and Transport Committee, Kennedy Osei Nyarko said the concession period would be 30 years and construction is expected to last for 36 months.

    “Mr Speaker it is a 10-lane redevelopment project that they are doing. They are going to expand the lanes with eight interchanges at various sections,” he said.

    He added that “the project comprises of three sections – the first section is 19.5 kilometres with a second section of 2.7 kilometres and the third section is 1.5 kilometres.”

    Also, the Ranking Member on the Roads and Transport Committee, Isaac Adjei Mensah backed the agreement on behalf of the Minority.

    He said “This project is appropriate that is why we support it and we expect that the first tranche will be executed to give room for the second and third tranches,” he said.

  • $338m loan sought by govt to reconstruct Accra-Tema motorway, others

    $338m loan sought by govt to reconstruct Accra-Tema motorway, others

    Vice Chairman of the Finance Committee of Parliament, On Monday, Patrick Boamah, has announced that the government is seeking parliamentary approval for a $338 million loan agreement for the rehabilitation and expansion of the Accra-Tema motorway and other roads across the country.

    Moreover, the facility is earmarked to finance the rehabilitation of the existing six-lane divided Nsawam highway within a timeframe of 36 months. Boamah provided these details during a press briefing in Accra.

    Regarding the scope of work, he said, “The Accra-Tema motorway alone is 19.5 kilometres, but this project is 27.7 kilometres, so one may ask, where are you getting the remainder from? The entire project is divided into three sections. The first section is the Accra-Tema Motorway, which is 19.5 kilometres, and it is going to be the rehabilitation and expansion of a minimum of 10 lanes on the motorway… Then, the second section is N1, the George Walker Bush highway, and the scope is 5.7 kilometres… Then the third scope is the Nsawam road, rehabilitation of the existing six lanes on the Nsawam road.”

    “…So this is the scope of work that is going to happen. So you can tell from what I have told you that it is going to be a very comprehensive program that will span about 3 years or more depending on how the project goes. And it is going to be a joint venture between Maripoma Limited and Ghana Infrastructure Fund.”

    On November 15, Finance Minister Mr Ofori-Atta revealed that “preparation for the reconstruction of the Accra-Tema Motorway under the Road Sector’s Public Private Partnerships (PPP) with Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF) is on course.”

    The Concession Agreement and draft Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) agreement, he noted, have been approved by Cabinet and will be submitted to Parliament for approval “shortly.”

    The Accra-Tema motorway is currently filled with potholes, which has led to several road accidents and adversely impacted the durability of cars on the road. As such, many called on the Ministry of Roads to take charge and have the challenges addressed.

    The Finance Minister noted that the government’s infrastructure progamme will also be anchored on strong private sector collaboration.

    “Government will continue to pursue the Mining Sector Roads rehabilitation projects to improve the road network in mining communities,” he added.

  • SHOCKING: Gov’t to spend GHC1m to remove tollbooths on Tema Motorway

    SHOCKING: Gov’t to spend GHC1m to remove tollbooths on Tema Motorway

    It has emerged that the Ghana Highways Authority has initiated a GH¢1 million project to take down the Accra-Tema Motorway’s tollbooth.

    The primary goal of this initiative is to improve road safety and reduce traffic congestion in the area.

    As part of this project, the main tollbooths, two on each side of the motorway’s inner lane, will be demolished. However, the auxiliary tollbooths situated outside the main lanes, originally added to alleviate traffic congestion, will remain unaffected.

    The concrete slabs supporting the tollbooths will also be dismantled to ensure the complete removal of these structures. Recently, abandoned tollbooths have become safety hazards and witnessed accidents, including a recent fatality.

    Concerns raised by the public regarding the visibility of these abandoned tollbooths, especially at night due to the lack of proper lighting or defective reflectors, have prompted this action.

    Joseph Atsu Amedzake, the Director of Road Safety and Environment at the GHA, confirmed that preparations are underway for the partial removal of the tollbooths to improve commuting conditions. He also mentioned that resources, equipment, and personnel are being mobilized to expedite the project.

    To ensure safety during the removal process, three lanes containing the tollbooths have been cordoned off, with reflective cones placed within the cordoned area to warn motorists about lane closures.

    Mr. Amedzake further revealed that solar-powered streetlights will be installed at both the Tema and Accra ends of the tollbooths to address safety concerns during the transitional period, while a permanent lighting solution is being considered for the entire motorway.

    Additionally, patching works will commence to address the depressed areas along the motorway, which have been a significant cause of traffic congestion and safety concerns for commuters.

    Mr. Amedzake urged motorists and commuters to exercise caution when using the affected sections of the motorway and adhere to speed limits to prevent accidents. This initiative is aimed at enhancing road safety and improving the overall travel experience for commuters.

  • Man turns Tema motorway tollbooth into ‘apartment’

    Man turns Tema motorway tollbooth into ‘apartment’

    A video circulating on social media shows how one of the toll booths specifically on the Accra-Tema Motorway has been turned into a home by someone.

    The purported resident in the video, can be seen cooking on a tripod just outside the booth whiles inside, one can see a few personal belongings as he goes about his business. 

    This follows the scrapping of toll collection across the country.

    In the wake of the passage of the Electronic Transactions Bill (E-Levy) in 2022, government cancelled the collection of road tolls banking their hopes on raising needed revenue through the levy.

    At the time, Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, insisted that scrapping the tolls needed to be done by parliament not the minister but government officials defended the move. 

    Months on, the transport minister disclosed plans to turn the abandoned toll booths across the country into places of convenience which could fetch the state additional revenue. 

  • Ghanaian spotted cooking in toll booth on Tema Motorway road

    Ghanaian spotted cooking in toll booth on Tema Motorway road

    A viral video circulating on social media suggests that a toll booth on the Accra-Tema motorway road has been occupied by an individual as residence.

    It is unknown when the said individual moved into what is said to have been an abandoned booth.

    However, what can be confirmed is that the toll booth is currently not serving its purpose – that is raking in revenue for the government.

    Per the footage, a shirtless man can be seen cooking in the structure. A utensil is seen placed on a coal pot with vapour emanating from it.

    The situation has taken many users on social media by surprise.

    Payment of toll on public roads ceased in November 2021 as part of policy measures announced by government under the 2022 Budget. As such, toll booths were unoccupied by workers tasked to collect tolls.

    Per reports, some toll booths were converted into washrooms.

    But the recent video comes as a surprise as it is expected that toll booths in the country should have been revamped for operation.

    In November 2022, Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta announced that the government will reintroduce the collection of road toll on selected roads in the country in 2023.

    The reintroduction of the road toll is one of the revenue measures contained in the 2023 budget presented to Parliament by the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta last week.

  • GPRTU ‘cries’ over Tema Motorway; says it’s a death trap

    GPRTU ‘cries’ over Tema Motorway; says it’s a death trap

    The Ghana Private Roads and Transport Union (GPRTU) has issued a warning to drivers, particularly commercial drivers, regarding the deteriorating state of the Accra-Tema motorway, describing the same as a death trap.

    It thus urged drivers to exercise caution while using it. 

    Samuel Kofi Amoah, the Greater Accra Regional Deputy Communication Director of GPRTU, expressed his concerns about the poor condition of the motorway during an interview with Class 91.3 FM’s Ashaiman correspondent on June 30, 2023. 

    He stated that the road is in a state beyond repair and emphasised the need for drivers to be extra careful when traveling on it. 

    According to Mr Amoah, the motorway is riddled with potholes that pose a significant risk to drivers and have tragically claimed innocent lives.

    He specifically mentioned the lack of street lights on the motorway, which further compounds the safety concerns, especially during nighttime journeys. 

    Mr Amoah called on the government to prioritize repair works on the motorway and address the existing issues to ensure the safety of drivers and passengers. 

    The GPRTU’s warning serves as a reminder for all drivers to exercise caution and be aware of the challenging conditions on the Accra-Tema motorway.

  • Issues with tyres account for 10% of road crashes in Ghana

    Issues with tyres account for 10% of road crashes in Ghana

    Mr Dennis Yeribu, Principal Manager, Planning and Programmes Directorate of the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), says about 10 per cent of all road crashes are linked to poor tyre maintenance.

    He has therefore advised motorists to observe good tyre maintenance practices to ensure safety on the roads.

    Mr Yeribu made the comments on Friday during a “Stay Alive Tyre Safety Campaign,” organised by the NRSA in collaboration with Vulco and supported by the Ghana Police Service.

    As part of the exercise, the team performed tyre assessments of about 500 private vehicles plying the Tema Motorway. They also shared tyre safety and management tips with drivers, gave out tyre inflation coupons and embarked on road safety sensitisation.

    After carrying out tyre checks, the team informed drivers of their tyre health status and provided them with remedies.

    Mr Yeribu said an important component of road safety was the issue of tyres which many road users, unfortunately, paid little attention to.

    He said the Tyre Safety campaign would be replicated in other regions of the country, adding that, soon a similar exercise would be organised for public transport.

    Mr Yeribu said the data gathered from the exercise would inform future policy directives and targeted education programmes on road safety.

    He thanked Vulco and the Police for their assistance and lauded the drivers for their cooperation and availing themselves to receive the education.

    The drivers on the other hand, thanked the NRSA for the exercise and for enriching their knowledge on tyre safety.

    Mr Shakti Shukla, National Retail Manager of Vulco, said his outfit had observed that about 65 per cent to 70 per cent of the vehicles had winter tyres instead of summer tyres which were best suited for Ghana’s weather condition.

    Summer tyres have a dedicated rubber compound that delivers excellent grip and handling on both dry and wet roads in warmer conditions. On the other hand, winter tyres provide outstanding grip on road surfaces covered with snow and ice, as well as wet roads in cold conditions.

    He informed that the standard maximum shelf life of tyres was five years but observed that most tyres were overaged and cracked.

    The shelf life of a tyre is the time between date of manufacture and period of its road worthiness. This applies to the period before the tire is first used—the period when the tire is kept away in the dark from having direct contact with sunlight or rain.

    He advised motorists to purchase tyres that conformed to their vehicle’s Original Equipment (OE), had the correct tyre size, maintain the recommended tyre pressure and check the warranty given by the manufacturer.

    The OE are the parts of a car that were fitted at the factory during manufacturing. Only approved OE tyres are fitted to new cars. OE tyres are developed specifically for each make and model of car.

    He advised drivers not to fit different tyre sizes on the same axis but to only mount the size specified by the manufacturer.

    “To maximize the tire performance, a driver should make an axis rotation every 10,000 kilometres. Drivers should control their tire pressure every 15 days, use manufacturer’s recommended pressure, check the status of valves and place caps on the valves.”

    “Elements that impact negatively on the life of tyres include driving at high speed, taking turns too fast and quick stops. The consequences of unbalancing include tyre damage, irregular wear, loss of traction and stability and lack of comfort,” he said.

  • Tema Motorway flyover to be completed by December 2023

    Tema Motorway flyover to be completed by December 2023

    By December 2023, the flyover over the Tema Motorway from Flowerpot Roundabout to the East Legon Boundary Road will be completed.

    The project being undertaken by Messrs. China Railway No. 5 Engineering Ghana Limited and funded by GoG (Afriexim Bank) consists of one mainline bridge (802 m), two ramp bridges (220 m), four auxiliary roads (2.5 km), and ancillary works

    The resident engineer for the project, Ing. Emmanuel Doegbotse disclosed this when The Minister of Roads and Highways, Mr Kwasi Amoako-Attah, and a team of Engineers inspected the progress of work at the site.

    He revealed that there will be 7 stages of construction across the motorway.

    “Stage 1 will not affect traffic flow, whereas Stage 2 through Stage 4 will affect traffic movement, and vehicles will be directed through the central portion of the motorway. With Stage 5, the traffic will be taken to the extreme edges of the motorway. Finally, traffic will be brought back to its original lanes during the Stages 6 and 7 constructions.

    “In all stages, maximum vehicle heights will be limited to 4.5 meters as required by law. Vehicles will be stopped by police, and if found to have flouted the required height, they will be made to turn back to their origin using the temporary U-turns created,” he further explained.

    The Roads and Highways Minister, Mr. Kwasi Amoako Attah, expressed satisfaction with the progress of the work and charged the contractor to clamp down on vehicles found to have flouted the required height limit.

    The general scope of work includes a dual carriageway of the entire flyover with asphaltic concrete surfacing; a ramp from the northbound (Shiashie) onto the flyover towards the southbound (Airport Hills); a ramp from the flyover onto the motorway towards Tema; a slip from the motorway to the Boundary Road roundabout; an additional exit into the cantonments from the Giffard Road Interchange; drains, culverts, streetlights, and road line markings.

  • Tema-Motorway to get five lanes each, Tetteh Quarshie interchange to be remodelled – Ken Ofori-Atta

    The finance minister has revealed that the government is seeking to secure funds from Ghana Infrastructure Investment(GIIF) for a 27.7 km of the Accra-Tema motorway and extension project.

    According to him, the project, when approved, will provide the Tema-Motorway with five lanes on each side of the stretch.

    Speaking in parliament, he indicated that aside the Tema-Motorway lanes, the government will remodel the Tetteh Quarshie interchange and there will be a reconstruction of the Apenkwa interchange and a new interchange at the Fiesta Royale crossroads and Neoplan area.

    “Mr. Speaker, Government is pursuing the strategic decision to procure the 27.7km of the Accra-Tema Motorway and Extensions Project through the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF). A PPP Concession Agreement backed by an appropriate toll arrangement will be presented to Parliament for approval to facilitate its execution. Provision has also been made in the 2023 and the Medium-Term Budget for the Equity and Viability Gap Funding required by a GIIF Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to enable the project to start in earnest in 2023. The project will be delivered in phases.

    “Mr. Speaker, the iconic nature of the project is such that when completed, there will be five lanes each on both sides of the main Accra-Tema Motorway stretch, and six lanes each on the Tetteh Quarshie – Apenkwa stretch of the road. The project will include the remodeling of Tetteh Quarshie Interchange, the reconstruction of the Apenkwa Interchange and the construction of new interchanges at the Fiesta Royale cross roads and Neoplan area,” he said.

    The Minister of Finance was in parliament to fulfil his constitutional mandate by presenting the government budget to the House.

    The presentation is in accordance with Article 179 of the 1992 Constitution and section 21 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921).

    The minister presentedax the 2023 Budget Statement and Economic Policy to parliament in a year that has experienced perhaps, the worst forms of economic downturns in the fourth republic.

    Ken Ofori-Atta has also come under a lot of backlash and pressure from both within and outside his party, the New Patriotic Party (NPP), to either resign or be sacked by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

  • Today in History: No more ‘aboboyaa’ on Motorway effective Nov. 1 – Henry Quartey

    Henry Quartey, the Greater Accra Regional Minister, said last year that the change would take effect on November 1st, 2021.

    He said that the action was taken as part of the “Let’s Make Accra Work Agenda” to remove tricycle drivers from the highways.

    “Tricycles cannot and will not be permitted to go on the freeway as of November 1.
    They will therefore be confined to their respective assemblies over the 90 days rather than the main streets.
    starting of November 1, they are unable to use the Tema Motorway, however they may still conduct business there, “added he.

    The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Henry Quartey, has indicated that the ban on tricycles, widely known as ‘aboboyaa’ on Accra’s Highways, is expected to take effect from November 1, 2021.

    The Minister was sparking at the official launch of ‘Operation Clean Your Frontage’ in Accra today, Friday, October 22, 2021.

    He said the major place of concern for the exercise to begin is the Tema Motorway.

    He argued that the move is to rid tricycle operators from the Highways as part of the ‘Let’s make Accra work Agenda.’

    “So, effective November 1, tricycles cannot and will not be allowed to ride on the motorway. So, the 90 days, they will be restricted to their respective assemblies rather than on the principal streets… effective November 1 as for the Tema Motorway they cannot ride on it, they can continue their business in other areas,” he said.

    The Minister further noted that a one-week grace period would be given after the creation of public awareness by the assemblies.

    Operation Clean Your Frontage Launched

    He said he had already engaged with the heads of the tricycle operators, adding that the operators’ leadership is informed of the new order.

    “But within the 90 days period there will be a lot of engagements, I have already engaged the leadership of the tricycle users and they have understood what we are saying that it is rather to their benefit.”

    He said the ban of “aboboyaa” on the principal streets is to benefit the tricycle operators in the country.

    He also stated that the ban of tricycle users from the highway is to ensure the compliance and enforcement of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (LI 2180).

    The bye-law, according to the Regional Minister, will ensure road regulations for motorbike riders are enforced to address the issue of abandoned vehicles on the streets.

  • Accident on Tema Motorway tollbooth causes heavy traffic

    There is heavy traffic on the Tema-bound section of the Accra-Tema Motorway due to a car crash which occurred close to the tollbooth.

    The accident, as sighted in a video from the scene, involved a long bus with its front side mangled from the impact of the incident.

    “If you are heading towards Tema from Accra this morning reconsider your decision. There is an accident close to the tollbooth,” a Twitter user, @GeniusKojo who shared the video cautioned.

    The bus, as seen in the video, sits across the middle of the road whiles other vehicles struggle to meander their way out through a space behind the long bus.

  • 12 errant drivers to appear in court today -WAI

    12 people who were detained as part of Citi TV’s War Against Indiscipline (WAI) last week are slated to appear in court today, Monday, September 26, 2022.

    These drivers’ cars were seized for a variety of traffic violations, such as making illegal U-turns, abusing sirens, and driving on the wrong side of the road without good reason.

    Over 100 automobiles, including one that belonged to the Bank of Ghana, have so far been confiscated by the officers from the Ghana Police Service’s Motor Traffic and Transport Department.

    At the La Motor and Traffic court in Accra, the cases of the offenders would be heard.

    So far, about 40 drivers have been convicted and fined various sums of monies ranging from GH¢300 to GH¢3000 since the campaign was brought back last two weeks.

    Key among the offences is illegal U-turns on the Tema motorway.

    Some drivers gave the following reasons for the continuous use of unauthorized turns on the motorway.

    “We were in a haste to attend a training in Tema, so we decided to make a U-turn, so we could make it in time,” a driver shared.

    Another driver said, “I am a medical practitioner and I had to make it in time for work. I had no intention to cause mayhem.”

    About War Against Indiscipline

    The #WarAgainstIndiscipline – Be the change campaign is aimed at helping to avert the increasing loss of lives through road crashes.

    It is a Citi TV initiative in partnership with the Police MTTD.

    In May 2019, the station began the campaign against all forms of indiscipline in the country.

    The exercise took the nation by surprise when it partnered with the Ghana Police Service to arrest errant drivers, process them for court, and have them fined.

    It covered roads noted for reckless driving within and outside Accra.

    The campaign is aimed at checking indiscipline on roads and also targeted at putting regulatory bodies on their toes to ensure that the various road safety laws are enforced.

    It also seeks to compel drivers to stay within speed limits.

    Source:citinewsroom.com

     

     

  • Truck ablaze on Accra-Tema motorway affecting traffic flow

    A truck was seen burning on the Accra-Tema Motorway earlier today.

    Snippets of the incident from social media show the vehicle in flames as passersby stand helplessly.

    In subsequent videos, personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service were seen attempting to douse the inferno.

    Truck ablaze on Accra-Tema motorway affecting traffic flow

    It is not clear yet what caused the accident which has slowed the pace of traffic on the stretch.

    Vehicles that got to the scene on their commute meandered their ways around it.

    Source: Myjoyonline

     

  • Gas tanker filled with LPG crashes on Tema motorway

    A gas tanker filled with Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) has crashed on the Tema motorway.

    According to a 3new.com report, the accident occurred on the dawn of Thursday, April 28, 2022.

    Personnel of Ghana Fire Service are reported to be on the ground ensuring the tanker does not explode.

    Also, an empty gas tanker has been transported to the accident scene for the transfer of the LPG in the crashed tanker with the registration number GN 4513-2.

    According to some witnesses on Twitter, the incident has resulted in most of the vehicles heading toward Tema returning back to Accra.

    The Ghana Police Service is yet to comment on the matter, however, there are personnel on the ground controlling the traffic the accident has caused. Motorists using the motorway have been advised to drive carefully.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Tema motorway crash: Vehicles removed, road open to traffic

    Vehicles involved in the piled-up motor crash on the Tema Motorway on Sunday, February 6 have been removed. 

    The police have also opened the road to normal traffic flow.  

    The crash, which involved a gas tanker, an articulated truck, and a rigid cargo truck, happened between the Accra Shopping Mall and the toll booth, leaving only a single lane for motorists proceeding on the N1 to Tema.  

    A news brief from the Police thanked all motorists who plied the Tema – N1 Highway for their patience during the roadblock. 

    It also commended the Ghana National Fire Service and Road Safety Management Service Limited crew for the quick responses in securing the hazardous material and removing the vehicles, respectively.  

    The police cautioned heavy-duty and loaded articulated vehicle drivers, and those carrying hazardous goods to always ensure their vehicles were roadworthy, securely loaded, and use appropriate lanes with moderate speeds on highways.

    Source: GNA

  • Toll collection at Tema motorway resumes after the accident

    Attendants at the Accra-bound side of the Tema motorway have resumed toll collection after the process was suspended due to an accident earlier this morning.

    Drivers who used the road during the time of the incident drove freely to and from Accra to Tema.

    It has taken about four hours for the collection to resume.

    Earlier in the morning, Monday, 12 July 2021, a tipper truck crashed into the tollbooth.

    A tollbooth attendant is feared dead.

    The attendant could be seen in a video that captured the aftermath of the crash, lying motionless by the accident scene.

    Apart from the attendant, a visually-and-hearing-impaired attendant also got injured in the accident.

    Aside from the damage caused to the tollbooth, two vehicles including a saloon car with registration number GT 469- 10 whose occupants also sustained some injuries was destroyed beyond repairs.

    Eyewitnesses surmise that either the driver failed his brakes or was inexperienced.

    Meanwhile, Mr Jeffery Koomson, a son of one of the injured attendants, said after receiving information about the accident, he rushed to the hospital only to meet his dad with both legs crushed.

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • Eyewitnesses blame potholes for accident on Tema motorway

    An accident occurred on the Tema Motorway today, February, 17 and observers have blamed potholes on the road.

    An eyewitness account indicates that the driver, who is a lady lost control after hitting the pothole and eventually landed in a ditch.

    Speaking on SVTV Africa, the incident which happened at 11 am involved a saloon car with three passengers.

    Thankfully, none was severely injured but was rushed to the Tema General Hospital for treatment.

    The pedestrians pleaded with the government to fix these potholes because they have caused a lot of accidents on the motorway.

    Watch the full interview below;

    Source: svtvafrica.com

  • Remove structures on Tema Motorway reservations or have it demolished Amoako-Atta to encroachers

    The Minister of Roads and Highways, Kwesi Amoako-Atta, has advised persons who have encroached the Tema Motorway reservations to remove unauthorized structures from the area or face demolition.

    He revealed that owners of the properties found along the said location have turned deaf ears to several calls to remove their properties to allow for the reconstruction of the Tema motorway into a three-lane dual carriage.

    Mr Amoako-Atta in a media engagement mentioned that several letters have been presented to encroachers but that notwithstanding, people continue to erect structures along the Tema motorway reservations.

    He intimated that “The time of reckoning has come, the road has been awarded for reconstruction and those who have ignored all these pieces of advice to leave the area would now see whether they will obey orders or still do whatever they want to do.”

    Mota-Engil Engenharia Econstrucao Africa S.A has been awarded the contract for the reconstruction of the Accra-Tema Motorway and extension from the Tema interchange through Apenkwa Interchange to the Neoplan Junction.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Heavily loaded cargo truck topples on Tema motorway

    A cargo truck headed to the Accra Central Business district from Tema has toppled on the Tema motorway, few meters away from the Toyota Ghana head office, causing an obstruction to traffic flow.

    According to the driver of the cargo truck, the accident happened after a Volkswagen saloon car tried to switch into his lane.

    Speaking in an exclusive interview with GhanaWeb, the driver of the cargo truck said in an attempt to avert the situation he rather ended up smashing into the Volkswagen Bora.

    The truck was heavily loaded with bags of rice, with just the driver while the saloon car with registration number GE2000V had two occupants including the driver.

    All persons escaped unscathed.

    The accident created a bit of traffic on the highway, causing Police officers to control vehicles plying that stretch to ease the jam.

    The occupants of the saloon car refused to comment when the team reached out to them.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Heavily loaded cargo truck topples on Tema motorway

    A cargo truck headed to the Accra Central Business district from Tema has toppled on the Tema motorway, few meters away from the Toyota Ghana head office, causing an obstruction to traffic flow.

    According to the driver of the cargo truck, the accident happened after a Volkswagen saloon car tried to switch into his lane.

    Speaking in an exclusive interview with GhanaWeb, the driver of the cargo truck said in an attempt to avert the situation but ended up smashing into the Volkswagen Bora.

    The truck was heavily loaded with bags of rice, with just the driver while the saloon car with registration number GE2000V had two occupants including the driver.

    All persons escaped unscathed.

    The accident created a bit of traffic on the highway, causing Police officers to control vehicles plying that stretch to ease the jam.

    The occupants of the saloon car refused to comment when the team reached out to them.

     

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com