The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has as further evidence of the Akufo-Addo Government’s strong commitment to transformative development, commissioned the Phase Two of the Obetsebi Lamptey Interchange, on Friday, 29th November 2024, in Accra. 

A remarkable development project, that according to him, enhances mobility, drives economic growth and improves the quality of life for all Ghanaians.

Presenting a detailed overview of the key components of this transformative project, Minister of Road and Highways, Francis Asenso Boakye, said, the third tier of the interchange features a 389-meter bridge which provides a direct link for traffic on Ring Road West across the Obetsebi Lamptey Circle and descending to the Abossey Okai traffic lights, ensuring seamless movement for commuters and effectively eliminating delays caused by cross-traffic. 

He disclosed that, a newly constructed roundabout underneath the flyover

facilitates ground-level access to Abossey Okai Road (Agbogbloshie Market Road), with provisions made for safe pedestrian crossings to ensure the safety of all road users.

The project has also seen a reconfiguration along the Nii-Teiko Din intersection on the Kaneshie-Mallam Road to allow right-in and right-out movements on the route.

Asenso Boakye said, a pedestrian footbridge over Ring Road West at the Awudome-Adjuma Crescent junction has been incorporated to ensure safe and efficient pedestrian movement across this busy corridor.

The longstanding flooding concerns in the area, has also been addressed by a comprehensive storm drainage system that incorporates existing drainage infrastructure including the Awudome Storm Drain, Kaneshie Drain, and Mataheko Drain. 

Addressing a noticeably ecstatic gathering made up of Chiefs and people of the area, President Akufo-Addo said, “the completion of Phase II is not just an infrastructure milestone; it is a pivotal moment in our nation’s journey towards modernity and efficiency.”

The President said, the interchange will significantly enhance the flow of traffic to the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, as well as along the Ring Road West, Kaneshie and Accra Central corridors.

“By reducing travel times and vehicle operating costs, it will increase productivity for businesses and transform the daily commute for thousands of Ghanaians.” 

Describing it as catalyst for economic vibrancy in the capital, he noted that the interchange “will facilitate the seamless movement of goods and services, thereby reducing the cost of doing business, and attracting much-needed investments to the region.”

“It is, indeed, a cornerstone of our broader vision to establish an integrated, modern transportation network that underpins Ghana’s socio-economic transformation,” he added. 

President Akufo-Addo mentioned the Pokuase Interchange-the largest of its kind in West Africa—whose completion has eased congestion and improved connectivity; the historic Tamale Interchange, the first in northern Ghana; and the Bechem-Techimantia-Akomadan road, which has unlocked vital agricultural hubs, enhancing trade and livelihoods.

Additionally, government has delivered six interchanges nationwide, with thirteen others currently underway, progressing steadily towards completion. 

The project was constructed by QG Construction UK Limited and supervised by FAS Consult Limited on behalf of the Urban Roads Division of the National Roads Authority.

President Akufo-Addo was happy to note that one of the great figures of Ghana’s independence journey, Emmanuel Obetsebi Lamptey, whom he knew as Uncle Tsebi, “continues to enjoy the admiration of successive generations of Ghanaians by continuing to name this interchange after him.”

Sompaonline.com/Nana Yaw Boamah