Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has disclosed plans to begin easing congestion in Accra if he gets the opportunity to lead the country again.
According to him, the move will help government build a new city in the outskirts of the capital.
Though he maintains that Accra will remain the capital, he said some government institutions would have to be relocated in order to reduce pressure on the city.
Speaking at a meeting with the European Union Ambassador and the EU Chamber of Commerce, on May 28, 2024, Mr. Mahama emphasized that whiles the initiative will take about a twenty-year period, his government will start it.
“We will start the feasibility study and a plan to build a new city. Accra is getting grid-locked. The time has come for us to move some parts of the government services out of Accra,” he said.
“Accra will continue to be the capital, but we’ll move parts of it. Outside, there is land, on the Accra plains, there’s land, on the other bank of Volta lake and all that. Already we’re going to have a port terminal at Mpakadan to move cargo to the Northern part of the country, there’s a lot of land is there and sowe can move some of the ministries, agencies and departments out of the city so that we decongest Accra.”
He added that if the plan is not followed, the congestion will have a dire effect on the capital.
“Accra has expanded to its limits, and if we are not cautious, managing it as a sustainable city will become difficult. Thus, we will initiate the planning, design, and feasibility process. I anticipate that this project may take around 20 years to complete, but we need to take the first steps. Subsequent generations can then continue where we left off.”
