President inaugurates Phase 2 of Obetsebi Lamptey Interchange

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo yesterday inaugurated the second phase of the Obetsebi Lamptey Interchange in Accra in honour of the late patriot.

Phase one of the project was completed and inaugurates by President Akufo-Addo on Tuesday, November 24, 2020, while phase two, which comprises a flyover on the Ring Road West (Awudome to the Abossey Okai Central Mosque) and the widening of the Ring Road West (from Awudome Junction to Obetsebi Lamptey Interchange) into a two by three dual carriageway has just been completed. 

Transformative development

President Akufo-Addo described the project as remarkable and further evidence of the government of President John Agyekum Kufuor’s strong commitment to transformative development that enhanced mobility, drove economic growth and improved the quality of life for all Ghanaians.

About the inception of the project, he said his vision was to confront the persistent traffic congestion which had for a long time plagued movement and economic activity in that crucial area of Accra.

President Akufo-Addo said the completion of phase two was not just an infrastructure milestone but a pivotal moment in the nation’s journey towards modernity and efficiency.

He said the interchange would significantly enhance the flow of traffic in the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, as well as along the Ring Road West, Kaneshie and Accra Central corridors.

Infrastructrure

Over the past eight years, President Akufo-Addo said, his government had undertaken significant infrastructure projects across the nation.

These, he said, included the Pokuase Interchange, the Tamale Interchange, which he said was the first in northern Ghana, and the Bechem-Techimentia-Akomadan road.

That, President Akufo-Addo said, had unlocked the vital agricultural house and enhanced trade and livelihoods.

In addition to these, he said his government was delivering six interchanges nationwide, with 13 others currently underway and progressing steadily towards completion.

“Last week, I had the honour of commissioning the 97-kilometre Mpakadan railway line, a project that heralds a new chapter in Ghana's transportation history. Our investments in health care, education, and other critical sectors are similarly guided by a vision of resilient, inclusive, and dynamic Ghana,” he pointed out.

He said although much had been accomplished, the journey was far from complete, and therefore the upcoming elections represented a defining moment for the country.

He, therefore, urged Ghanaians to place their confidence in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and vote for the “outstanding Alhaji Dr Mahamudu Bawumia” to sustain the progress the government had made and bring ongoing projects to completion.

He also urged Ghanaians to vote for parliamentary candidates of the NPP for continuity, growth, and a brighter future for the country.

Road safety

President Akufo-Addo further advised all motorists to exercise caution, adhere to road safety regulations, and uphold the principles of responsible driving to ensure the safety of all road users.

He was grateful to all who played a role in “this memorable undertaking,” particularly the British contractor, QGMI, and the United Kingdom (UK) Expo Finance Company for their great contributions.

In a brief tribute to the late Emmanuel Odarkwei Obetsebi Lamptey, President Akufo-Addo said the statesman was worthy of honour, the reason he continued to name the interchange after him.

Connectivity

The Minister of Roads and Highways, Francis Asenso-Boakye, said the ministry, and for that matter  government, was proud to unveil the interchange that would not only enhance connectivity, but also significantly reduce travel times along that vital corridor.

By upgrading the existing roundabout to a three-tier interchange, he said, “we have addressed one of the most challenging traffic issues in Accra.”

He said that ambitious transformation would significantly improve traffic flow between key arterials, including the Ring Road West towards the Nkrumah Interchange and the Ring Road West Extension towards Abossey Okai.

“The third tier of the interchange features a 389-metre bridge, providing a direct link for traffic on Ring Road West across the Obetsebi Lamptey Circle.

“This bridge descends to the Abossey Okai traffic lights, ensuring seamless movement for commuters and effectively eliminating delays caused by cross-traffic,” Mr Asenso-Boakye added.

He said a newly constructed roundabout underneath the flyover would facilitate ground-level access to Abossey Okai Road (Agbogbloshie Market Road), with provisions made for safe pedestrian crossing to ensure the safety of all road users.

To further enhance mobility, the Roads and Highways Minister said the Nii-Teiko Din intersection on the Kaneshie-Mallam road had been reconfigured to allow right-in and right-out movements only.

Additionally, he said a pedestrian footbridge over Ring Road West at the Awudome-Adjuma Crescent junction had been incorporated to ensure safe and efficient pedestrian movement across that busy corridor.

He said a comprehensive storm drainage system had also been integrated into the project, addressing long-standing flooding concerns in the area.

Benefits

Mr Asenso-Boakye said the benefits of the phase two of the Obetsebi Lamptey interchange would ensure a safer and more efficient transportation experience for all road users, reduction in accidents and delays; improved air quality through reduced vehicle emissions,  and contribute to a healthier environment for residents, enhance urban aesthetics, and foster opportunities for business.

In addition, he said the statue of Emmanuel Odarkwei Obetsebi Lamptey had been reinstated at the roundabout as a tribute to the legacy of the “distinguished” leader.