The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA) has completed a three-day inspection of junction improvement projects under the Ghana Urban Mobility and Accessibility Project (GUMAP) in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA).
This inspection assessed the progress, quality, and overall impact of essential infrastructure upgrades, resulting in key insights and actionable recommendations for further development.
The inspection team focused on two critical project sites: the Baba Yara Road/Padmore Street intersection in the Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) and the Ogbojo New Market intersection in Adentan and La Nkwantanang Madina.
These areas are pivotal for enhancing traffic flow and significantly alleviating congestion. Throughout the inspection, the team evaluated major road improvement projects at various intersections across six selected metropolitan and municipal assemblies in GAMA.
At the Otublohum Road/Obibini Street intersection in the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), construction is actively progressing with the reconstruction of sidewalks, the installation of a pedestrian refuge island, and the overlay of the road with asphaltic concrete. Line markings and reflective road signs are simultaneously being implemented.
The Mambo Junction in Ga Central is also undergoing substantial upgrades, which include constructing new sidewalks, a pedestrian refuge island, and a lay-by for commercial vehicles. The road surface has been overlaid with asphaltic concrete and enhanced with reflective road markings and signs, reinforcing safety and visibility.
At the Three Junction in Ga West, the construction of new sidewalks, pedestrian refuge islands, and two lay-bys for commercial vehicles is well underway. The road will be upgraded with asphaltic concrete, replacing existing pavement blocks with heavy-duty blocks, along with necessary line markings and reflective road signs.
The Ashongman Road/Alafia Road intersection in Ga East is receiving significant enhancements, featuring elevated sidewalks, a pedestrian refuge island, and four lay-bys for commercial vehicles. The road is being resurfaced with asphaltic concrete, alongside the application of line markings and the installation of reflective road signs.
Additionally, utility relocation within the project’s right of way is being effectively managed. At the Baba Yara Road/Padmore Street intersection in TMA, construction priorities include building sidewalks, creating a pedestrian refuge island, and converting road shoulders into lay-bys for commercial vehicles.
The existing pavement will be overlaid with asphaltic concrete, complemented by line markings and reflective road signs to ensure maximum visibility.
The Ogbojo New Market intersection, located in the La Nkwantanang Madina Municipal Assembly and Adentan Municipal Assembly, will see crucial improvements, including the construction of new sidewalks, the application of line markings, and the installation of reflective road signs to elevate road safety.
The ongoing roadworks are set to significantly enhance pedestrian safety, streamline traffic flow, and improve overall road conditions. While substantial progress has been made in upgrading the road infrastructure, urgent concerns have been identified that demand immediate attention.
Among the top priorities are the removal of temporary structures and billboards that obstruct construction work, as well as the critical need for utility relocation within the right of way.
The inspection team expressed satisfaction with the overall progress of the GUMAP projects; the team however indicated that it was imperative that these challenges are swiftly addressed to allow the projects to achieve their full potential.
Specific recommendations have been issued to confront these issues head-on, including proactive collaboration with local authorities to eliminate obstructions and ensure efficient utility relocation, keeping the projects on track.
The GUMAP initiative is a cornerstone of the government’s unwavering commitment to improving urban mobility. With the continued support of key stakeholders, these vital infrastructure upgrades will undeniably transform the region’s transportation landscape for the better.
Source: Sandra Owusu-Asamoah & Melody Hini Amoako
(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)