The President, Nana Akufo-Addo has commissioned the Pokuase interchange today, July 9, 2021.
At the ceremony, President opened to traffic four-tier interchange, which is from Awoshie to Accra, Kwabenya to Accra/Pokuase, as well as the road from Kumasi to Awoshie/Kwabenya and Accra respectively.
The four-tier interchange project was originally scheduled to be completed in October 2020, but that later changed to July this year.
Speaking at the ceremony, the President Akufo-Addo said the $94 million project is expected to ease traffic congestion, improve urban mobility, and benefit agro-industries located within the project zone.
He added that the perennial flooding during rains in the area is expected to be dealt with by the construction of storm drains.
Opening the interchange, President Akufo-Addo said the government, by this act, has demonstrated its commitment to address congestion in the country.
“The Pokuase Interchange is the first of its kind in Ghana, the first of its kind in West Africa, and the second of its kind in Africa, which will help solve, once and for all, the nightmare endured for several decades by commuters within and outside of this vicinity.” Akufo-Addo said
He further indicated that the government was undertaking critical road projects to improve urban mobility.
“It is important to put on record that the original contract design was for a three-tier interchange. However, through efficient management by my government, the Interchange was modified to a four-tier structure within the same contract sum.” President noted
Also present was Roads Minister, Kwasi Amoako Atta, Greater Accra Regional Minister-Henry Quartey, Chief Imam, others.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Ghana, I express sincere appreciation to the African Development Bank, who jointly provided funds with Government for the execution of this project. I appeal to the users of the facility, especially drivers, to adhere to the various road safety measures put in place for the safe use of the facility. The modernisation of Ghana is steadily gathering momentum, and I entreat all Ghanaians to join hands in building the Ghana we want.” He added
The government is jointly funding the project with the African Development Bank.
The project is being undertaken by Zhongmei Engineering Group Limited, with Messrs Associated Consultants Limited (ACON) and the Bigen Group.
Works still ongoing at the Pokuase Interchange
Myrepubliconline.com inspection carried out at the project site clearly indicates that about 98% of the work has been completed.
For safety of pedestrians, the news team realized that the two footbridges are still under construction compelling individuals to cross the busy roads.
A number of uncovered drains posing serious danger to pedestrians along the pavement have been left by construction workers unattended to.
On the road from Kwabenya to Awoshie, there were more than four unfixed street lights with the naked wire showing.
At the Pokuase lorry station, some drivers expressed worry over why the lorry station wasn’t added to project.
According to them, the station gets flooded when it rains making vehicular and pedestrian movement difficult.
