President Nana Akufo-Addo has inaugurated the six-kilometre Ashaley Botwe School Junction to Tema Motorway Road project to enhance road infrastructure and improve economic activities in the Greater Accra Region.

The dual carriageway, which was inaugurated Monday [August 26, 2024], includes service lanes on both sides, a 1.60 km Stadium Access Road, Tema Motorway slip roads, walkways, cycling lanes and lay-bys to enhance safety and convenience for all road users.

The project, which was executed by Oswal Investments Limited, is intended to help reduce travel time, lower transportation costs, mitigate flooding and enhance road safety in areas such as Ashale Botwe, School Junction and Borteyman, leading to the Motorway.

Delivering  promises 

During the inauguration, the President said the completion of the project embodied the strong resolve for delivering on the promises and ensuring that the fruit of the government was felt by every citizen.

The strategic connection, he said, was not merely about transportation, but also about bridging communities, enhancing economic growth and creating new opportunities for prosperity. 

He said the road served as the crucial artery for the eastern part of Accra, linking communities such as Tema Community 7, 18, 19, 23 and 24 to the northern regions, including Borteyman, Adjiringanor, Adentan and Dodowa.

By effectively connecting the east and west of Accra, President Akufo-Addo said the project would help to alleviate traffic congestion, establish new economic corridors and promote the flourishing of businesses and communities alike. 

"Let it be known, that the progress we are witnessing now is not the product of chance, but the result of deliberate, focused leadership and the collective effort of dedicated professionals.

The Ministry of Roads and Highways, its Department of Urban Roads and our cherished contractors have worked tirelessly to bring this project to fruition. I commend their dedication and I must remind all Ghanaians that this achievement is but one of many under my administration,  the President said.

"Across the length and breadth of our country, from north to south, from east to west, we are constructing roads, bridges, schools and hospitals because we believe in a Ghana that delivers and works for all. 

"Indeed, under my administration, we have added an unprecedented 12,830 km to the national road network," he added.

Precious challenges 

For his part, the Minister of Roads and Highways, Francis Asenso-Boakye, said before this project, commuters from Tema to Borteyman, School Junction, Ashale Botwe, Adentan and beyond faced significant challenges, including poor accessibility, inadequate connectivity between communities and increased travel times due to the poor state of the previous route.

In addition, he said, the rainy season would turn sections of the road into impassable stretches, further worsening the difficulties faced by road users. 

Today, I say with all humility that these challenges are now behind us. The School Junction to Motorway Road project was carefully designed to address these issues comprehensively,  he said.