Nkrumah Interchange inaugurated to boost traffic flow in Accra
Accra celebrated the opening of the iconic Kwame Nkrumah Circle Interchange with a breathtaking ceremony last night.
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A demonstration of Ghana’s growing socio-economic infrastructure, the three-tier interchange, constructed to replace the old Kwame Nkrumah Circle, was officially opened by President John Dramani Mahama, who said: "This is the day the Lord has made.”
“Today is a momentous day for our beloved nation, Ghana. Three years ago, a small step was taken to remove one of the most pressing inconveniences for motorists in the city of Accra. I, at this very spot, cut the sod for the construction of this project.
“Today, together with all Ghanaians, the drivers and the traders who use the Kwame Nkrumah Intersection can see the day that the Lord has made. Let us all rejoice in it,” he said to wild cheers from the thousands who thronged the scene to be part of the occasion.
The ceremony, held in the night, provided an incredible sight. The water fountain provided as part of the project looked particularly awesome as the laser lights around the place illuminated the sky.
A driver's dream, the interchange, situated in the centre of the national capital, will boost the hub’s socio-economic growth and ease traffic congestion.
Without doubt the symbol of the city, the engineering marvel must be a source of pride for many of the city's residents.
Residents crowded the area long before the start of the ceremony, hoping to catch a glimpse of the evening’s celebrations.
And when the ceremony finally got underway, the scene was electrifying.
President Mahama said at peak hours the interchange would be used by about 80,000 vehicles and daily an estimated 200,000 vehicles would use it.
He mentioned how the lack of traffic flow in the old Kwame Nkrumah Circle resulted in an estimated loss of about $100 million per annum to the national economy.
And with the new project in place, he said, “It will reduce travelling time from the Ring Road Central and the Feo Oyoo Intersection towards the North Industrial Area from two hours to just about five minutes.”
“The value of this interchange cannot be measured in economic terms alone but in the quality of life it is making possible for all our citizens,” the President said to rapturous applause from the gathering.
In attendance were chiefs from Accra, government officials and officials of the construction firm, Queiroz Galvao.
Components
The Kwame Nkrumah Interchange has the longest and highest flyover in West Africa, the Ring Road flyover, which is 1.3 kilometres long.
That flyover has three lanes on either side and one of the lanes will be used exclusively by the Bus Rapid Transit.
There are also wide walkways for pedestrians, as well as a pedestrian underpass.
Another component of the project is a memorial garden and water park which contains a dancing fountain which the President said “is a smaller version of what you will see in Dubai”.
He said he was of the belief that the memorial garden and water park would become a tourist attraction and provide a place for relaxation.
There is also a giant imposing statue of Dr Kwame Nkrumah which stands watch over the water fountain.
“It is proper we immortalise the name of Dr Nkrumah with this project,” the President said.
A new transport terminal, the Odawna Terminal, has been provided.
In addition, a police station and a fire station have been built within the terminal, while an ambulance station has also been provided.
Former Presidents commended
President Mahama said, “ I salute my mentor and comrade and predecessor, Prof. John Evans Atta Mills, under whose Presidency we conceptualised this project”.
He also commended former Presidents J.J. Rawlings and J.A. Kufuor for their contributions in advancing the convenience of road users and commuters in Accra.
He said under the tenure of both Presidents, Accra saw various interchanges which, together with the new Kwame Nkrumah Interchange, would make life easier for the people of the city.
The President said thousands of jobs were created during the life cycle of the project and with the opening several more thousands would be created as a result of the trade and other economic activities the project would facilitate.
He also spoke about other road projects being undertaken in Accra and all over the country, saying they were all meant to advance the development of the country
The President stated that the Kasoa Interchange would be opened to traffic before the end of 2016.
