Phase 2 of Tema Motorway Interchange inaugurated

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has inaugurated another interchange, this time, Phase two of the Tema Motorway Interchange, in the Greater Accra Region.

This phase is a full three-tier interchange, with the flyover on Tema Harbour, south side to Akosombo, north side, bound on the road.

It was constructed with a high-quality steel girder bridge, which has been prepared to withstand the breeze from the sea.

It is expected to last 70 years before maintenance.

Both the Phase One and Two projects' design and construction costs brought the total grant to about $91 million.

This is the third interchange in the Greater Accra Region that the President has inaugurated in two weeks.

On November 19, the President inaugurated the Flowerpot Interchange in Accra, and 10 days later, also inaugurated the Obetsebi Lamptey Interchange.

Testament

At the inauguration yesterday, President Akufo-Addo said the Tema project was a testament to the power of vision, determination and collaboration.

He stated that it also represented the dedication to addressing the long-standing challenges of mobility, economic growth and regional integration, as well as alleviating the persistent traffic congestion that had plagued that critical corridor for years.

“In June 2020, during the commissioning of Phase One, I pledged to the Ghanaian people that Phase Two would follow swiftly, enhancing the benefits of the first phase.

“Today, I am proud to say that that promise has been fulfilled,” he said.

Beyond its immediate benefits, President Akufo-Addo added that the project underscored the position of Ghana as a hub for regional trade.

He said it complemented the expansion of the 64-kilometre Tema Harbour-Akosombo corridor, which was a vital economic artery connecting key centres of commerce and industry.

Together, President Akufo-Addo said, these investments were creating a seamless network that supported livelihoods, encouraged innovation and accelerated development.

“Infrastructure is the backbone of national progress. Under my leadership, we have prioritised road development as the cornerstone of our nation's agenda, recognising its profound impact on every aspect of Ghanaian life,” he said.

Infrastructure

The President said the interchange was part of a deliberate strategy to decentralise economic opportunities and ensure equitable development across the nation.

“From the Pokuase Interchange, the largest in West Africa, to the Tamale Interchange, the first of its kind in Northern Ghana, we have worked tirelessly to open up our country, reduce disparities and empower communities,” he said.  

Funded through a Japanese grant, he said, the project was the largest grant of its kind extended to Ghana by Japan and reflected the strong bond of friendship and mutual respect between the two nations.

“On behalf of the government and people of Ghana, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to the government and the people of Japan. Your steadfast support and expertise have been instrumental in realising this vision.

“Together, we have demonstrated what can be achieved through shared commitment and collaboration,” he stated.

Transformational vision

The Minister for Roads and Highways, Francis Asenso-Boakye, said the project was a triumph of engineering and a symbol of the transformational vision and leadership that was guiding the future of the progress and prosperity of the country.

Tracing the history of the project, Mr Asenso-Boakye said the construction of Phase Two began in July 2022 and was originally planned for completion on December 14, 2024, but said it had been completed ahead of schedule.

He also assured residents along the Tema-Aflao road of the commitment of the government to improve the condition of that road.

Background

On October 13, 2021, the Japan International Cooperation Agency, (JICA), signed an agreement with the Government of Ghana for the improvement of the Tema Motorway Roundabout Phase Two.

The Japanese government, through JICA, provided a grant amount of 3,656,000,000 Japanese yen, equivalent to about $33 million to the Government of Ghana.

The Phase One of the motorway interchange project was implemented through the Japanese Grant, signed on March 31, 2017.

Phase One was the construction of the first and longest highway underground tunnel in Ghana in a mid-level interchange with ancillary facilities such as pedestrian bridges.