The Minister for Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza, has issued a firm directive to contractors working on the Ofankor to Nsawam Junction rehabilitation project, urging them to keep the road motorable for commuters during the ongoing construction.
Mr. Agbodza emphasized the importance of regularly grading and watering the road to minimize the discomfort faced by motorists who have had to endure worsening road conditions and prolonged delays. His intervention follows mounting complaints from road users about the deteriorating state of the stretch and the slow pace of progress on the project.
During an inspection tour of the site on Wednesday, 5th March 2025, the minister acknowledged the inconvenience caused to commuters and reiterated the government’s resolve to complete the project despite financial constraints. He assured the public that the government is working diligently to secure the necessary funding.
“The President is committed to completing all ongoing projects, provided the fiscal space and financing can be secured by the Finance Minister. As highlighted during the recent Economic Forum, the country’s financial position is not the best. However, we remain determined to see this priority project through to completion,” Mr. Agbodza stated.
Challenges Hindering Progress
The Project Manager, Ing. Abdulai Mahama, shed light on some of the key challenges delaying the project’s completion. He highlighted issues such as compensation disputes, utility relocations, and a high number of legal battles.
One major bottleneck involves disagreements over compensation for affected property owners, particularly around the Amasaman two-tier interchange. According to Ing. Mahama, some property owners have contested the valuations carried out by consultants, delaying the payment of compensations.
“Some of the affected claimants around Amasaman have challenged the consultant’s valuations of their properties along the interchange. This has slowed down compensation payments,” he explained.
Additionally, the project faces over 80 court cases related to land ownership and compensation, further complicating progress. These legal challenges, combined with logistical hurdles, have significantly impacted the timeline of the project.
Commitment to Completion
Despite these obstacles, both the government and the contractors have reaffirmed their commitment to completing the project and alleviating the suffering of road users. Ing. Mahama expressed optimism that with continued collaboration between stakeholders, the road could soon be made fully operational.
“We remain committed to ensuring the road is completed as quickly as possible. The challenges are significant, but we are working hard to resolve them in a manner that satisfies all stakeholders,” he stated.
The Ofankor-Nsawam road is a critical transportation link that connects Accra to the northern parts of the country. The project’s timely completion is expected to ease traffic congestion, improve road safety, and enhance economic activities along the corridor.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson #ahotoronline.com
