The construction of the second phase of Tema Motorway Grade Separation Project is expected to commence in September this year. This announcement comes following the signing of a close to US$ 25M grant facility for the project. The facility was signed between the government of Ghana and the Government of Japan represented by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

This phase will see the construction of a third-tier flyover from Harbour Road to Ashaiman on the N2. The flyover will be a composite bridge structure and ramps. Messrs JFE Engineering Corporation will carry out the project which also involves the construction of axillary road works. The roads have a total length of 1.75km between Harbour Road–Ashaiman.

Other works include the construction of drainage and safety facilities. These facilities include crash barriers and road signs, and the installation of streetlights. The project is expected to be completed in November 2024. It will bring to completion the construction of a 3-tier interchange at the Tema Motorway Roundabout.

Expectations for the Tema Motorway Roundabout project

The Minister for Roads and Highways, Hon. Kwasi Amoako-Attah spoke on the project after the signing of the facility in Japan on June 30, 2022.

He said “When completed, the Tema Motorway Roundabout project will make it easier for the Tema Harbour to clear goods quickly. In addition, it will end traffic jams at the Tema roundabout, and improve trade integration and economic growth in the ECOWAS sub-region.”

According to the Minister, the project will also lower the cost of doing business in Ghana. This will be achieved by lowering vehicle operating costs, reducing travel time, and improving mobility.

Furthermore, Amoako-Attah said that Ghana will continue to collaborate with JICA in undertaking key road infrastructure programs. According to the minister, the programs will mainly be aimed at regional integration and enhancement of trade within the ECOWAS sub-region. He also thanked JICA, the Consultants (CTI International Corporation), and the Contractors (JFE Engineering Corporation) for their contributions to the West African country’s infrastructure development.

An overview of the Tema Motorway grade separation project

The Tema Motorway Grade Separation project is not a stand-alone project. It is going to bring a lot of benefits in two areas: It is going to create the Tema Arterial Roads and Tema Motorway Project. Upon completion, the Tema arterial roads linking this roundabout to the ongoing port expansion being undertaken by Meridian Port Services would have come to an end. The plan is to open up all arterial roads from this roundabout to link the port expansion project through the Tema Hospital road into a dual two-by-three lane road.

At the same time, it will link Tema Motorway with the Tetteh Quarshie interchange in Accra, and the project is designed in such a way that by the time this particular project comes to a close the Tema motorway, as part of the Abidjan-Lagos project, which is being turned into a 6 lane dual carriage highway, would have also come to an end and it has been remodeled and redesigned to take the current congestion at the Tetteh Quarshie interchange.

The Motorway forms an integral part of the Trans-Africa Highway, stretching from Lagos through Lomé, Accra, and Abidjan to Dakar, and effectively serves as the junction to the Sub-region and the Grade Separation forms part of the Improvement of Ghanaian International Road Corridors project.

Also Read: Kazungula bridge project timeline and all you need to know

Project timeline

Oct 2017

Tema Motorway Roundabout Project in Ghana commences

The Tema Motorway Roundabout Project in Ghana has commenced. The project intends to ease the traffic situation in Tema and its environs. Also, the Motorway project intends to significantly facilitate cargo flow in and out of the Tema Port. The project includes the construction of four slip roads.

The Meridian Port Services (MPS) in collaboration with the Ministry of Roads and Highways signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to finance the project at a cost of US$6.7mn. Besides, the MPS financing contribution is part of their Corporate Social Responsibility.

According to the Minister for Roads and Highways, Akwasi Amoako Atta, the ministry is considering various interventions to minimize the unnecessary delay that motorists are currently facing while navigating.

The traffic congestion on the Motorway has affected both local and international travelers using the N1 Highway over the years. Commuters in and around Tema, Ashaiman, Prampram, and beyond will also experience the effect.

The project links

The project also links Accra to Lomé. Once complete the Motorway will alleviate transport difficulties on the Trans-West African Highway. The government has congratulated the MPS for their contribution to the expansion of critical infrastructure in the country. Mohamed Samara, the Chief Executive Officer of MPS, is urging the business community to emulate the MPS gesture.

Also read: Association of Building and Civil Engineering Contractors of Ghana raises concerns over deterioration roads

In regards to the ongoing project, the Director General of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), Mr. Paul Asare Ansah, has confirmed that there are many interventions needed to create easy access to the Tema Port. Particularly the heavy-duty trucks as the main category of vehicles plying the route.

The project intends to greatly impact container haulage which is the major problem. Thus, the authority is strongly backing up the MPS for their involvement in the project. Additionally, the authority is looking forward to working together to improve all aspects of doing business at the Port.

Jul 2018

Ghana to start construction works on the Tema Motorway Grade separation project

Ghana Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has officially launched the construction works on the Tema Motorway Grade separation project.

The Motorway forms an integral part of the Trans-Africa Highway, stretching from Lagos through Lomé, Accra, and Abidjan to Dakar, and effectively serves as the junction to the Sub-region and the Grade Separation forms part of the Improvement of Ghanaian International Road Corridors project.

Phase One of the Grade Separation project, which began in February 2018 and is expected to come to completion in 28 months, will see the construction of a 2.1 km three-lane dual carriageway with 730 m underpasses on the National route N1; improvement of approximately 1.9 km two-lane dual carriageway on the National Route N2 from the Ashiaman Roundabout onto the Harbour Road; construction of Service Road Ramps, retaining wall and box culvert, road base and pavement; construction of Pedestrian Bridges; and provision of adequate Road Safety furniture to safeguard lives and property.

Also read: Tema Motorway Roundabout Project in Ghana commences

Government’s agenda

Phase Two of the project comprises the construction of a flyover on the Akosombo-Tema Harbour Road. The project will also conduct detailed design improvements for the rehabilitation of National Trunk Road N8 in the Central Region.

Meanwhile, the Japanese government is providing funding of approximately US $55.6m through the Japan International Corporation Agency (JICA).

Speaking at the Groundbreaking ceremony, Dr. Bawumia said the Grade Separation works were in line with the government’s agenda of enhanced national development through the provision of the necessary road infrastructure to facilitate the developmental goals and social aspirations of the people.

Hon. Kwasi Amoako-Attah, Minister for Roads and Highways, explained that the Tema Motorway Grade Separation project was part of a larger undertaking to open up the road connection between Accra and the port city of Tema as well as open arterial roads within Tema.

Tema Motorway Grade Separation project

“This project is not a stand-alone one. It is going to bring a lot of benefits in two areas: It is going to create what we call Tema Arterial Roads and Tema Motorway Project. By the time we complete the construction of this project, the Tema arterial roads linking this roundabout to the ongoing port expansion being undertaken by Meridian Port Services would have come to an end. We are going to open up all arterial roads from this roundabout to link the port expansion project through the Tema Hospital road into a dual two-by-three lane road,” said Hon Kwasi.

“At the same time it will link Tema Motorway with the Tetteh Quarshie interchange in Accra, and the project is designed in such a way that by the time this particular project comes to a close the Tema motorway, as part of the Abidjan-Lagos project, which is being turned into a 6 lane dual carriage highway, would have also come to an end and it has been remodeled and redesigned to take the current congestion at the Tetteh Quarshie interchange, he added.”

Hon Amoako-Attah was also confident that the completion of these projects would ease the terrible traffic congestion at the Tetteh Quarshe interchange because of the Accra Mall, and make travel on the International Corridor easier, to facilitate trade in the sub-region.

Jan 2019

Ghana to revamp Tema Motorway into a six-lane road

The Government of Ghana is set to revamp the Tema Motorway connecting Tema to Accra into a six-lane at a cost of US $56m with the aim of easing traffic on the Eastern Corridor and neighboring countries including Togo.

The Minister of Roads and Highways, Mr. Kwasi Amoako Atta, confirmed the reports and said that the government is currently focused on tackling obstacles such as the massive encroachment on the reserved zone for the project, which was built under the Administration of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first President.

Also Read: Phase 1 of US $2bn Sinohydro deal set to commence

Tema Motorway

The Motorway was initially built to transform Tema into an industrial hub of the newly independent nation and had since not seen any major renovation. It is funded by the Japanese government through the Japan International Corporation Agency (JICA) and stretches from Lagos through Lomé, Accra, and Abidjan to Dakar, and effectively serves as the junction to the Sub-region.

Phase one of the project began in February 2018 and is expected to be complete by 28 months. Under it, a three dual carriage with 730m underpasses on the National route would be constructed that will be 2.1km long.

Phase two will entail the construction of a flyover on the Akosombo-Tema Harbour Road. The project will also conduct detailed design improvements for the rehabilitation of National Trunk Road N8 in the Central Region.

The Minister also cautioned property development agencies and individuals to desist from building on and close to road reserve zones and that authorities would get tough by demolishing structures located within such exclusive zones.

June 2020

The Tema Motorway Interchange is to have a police post constructed nearby. The proposed police post will be strategically placed and purposefully meant to ensure that the security for the public within that area is improved and most importantly to help with traffic management on the motorway.

It will have a control tower to help with traffic management and fasten response in case of any road crashes and accidents at the heart of Tema.

Jul 2020

Phase two construction of Tema Motorway Interchange in Ghana to begin in September

The construction works of the second phase of the Tema Motorway Interchange project in Ghana is expected to commence next month but one, following an agreement signed between the governments of the West African country together with that of Japan.

The agreement was particularly signed by the Ambassador of Japan to Ghana, Mr. Himeno Tsutomu, and the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Charles Owiredu. The latter lauded the Japanese government for its continued support to Ghana in different sectors including energy, agriculture, medical, infrastructure, more importantly, road infrastructure.

He acknowledged that through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Japan is not only supporting the Tema Motorway Interchange project, but also the construction of a new bridge across the Volta River on the Eastern Corridor road.

Also Read: 109 roads under construction in Ghana Central Region

“Upon completion, it is my hope that the projects would ensure safe, efficient road transportation and contribute to the efficient flow of goods and services as envisioned by the government of Ghana led by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo,” concluded the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration.

Expectations for the project

The approximately US$ 60M project is a part of the government’s international corridor road improvement plan whose objective is to facilitate trade within the West African sub-region.

Its main construction works involve the transformation of the parallel two-tier interchange into a three-tier interchange by a Japanese construction firm known as Messrs Shimizu Dai-Nippon. This is expected to hasten turnaround time at the interchange.

The project is also, generally, expected to improve the capacity, safety, and efficiency of transport and freight on the Tema Motorway roundabout. The government of the Republic of Ghana is committed to improving the country’s road infrastructure. It has declared 2020 as the “Year of Roads”.

October 2020

The Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwesi Amoako Attah, disclosed that a Portuguese Contractor will begin work to expand the Accra-Tema Motorway to six lanes before the end of the year. The Minister further announced that the Tema Roundabout to Aflao road will be dualized with 3 interchanges, and the Tema Roundabout to Akosombo road will also be dualized.

December 2020

The Government of the Republic of Ghana through the ministry of Roads & Highways in a statement announced that it has signed a contract for the design and construction of the Accra-Tema Motorway and extensions project, from the Tema Interchange through Apenkwa Interchange to Neoplan Junction.

The contract was signed with, Mota-Engil- Engenharia E Constructao Africa S. A., a division of Mota-Engil, a Portuguese group in the sectors of civil construction, public works, port operations, waste, water, and logistics, following the approval of the Public Procurement Authority and the Central Tender Review Board.

The scope of the works under the contract

The reconstruction and expansion of the existing 19.5km motorway into a two-lane dual carriageway for the freeway and a three-lane dual carriageway for the urban highway are among the key scopes of the project. The freeway will remain concrete surfacing, whilst the urban highway will be in asphaltic concrete with paved shoulders.

Other works include the reconstruction of the Tetteh Quarshie Interchange to Apenkwa Interchange (5.7km) into a six-lane dual carriageway with Asphaltic Concrete surfacing and the reconstruction of Tesano Junction – Neoplan Junction (2.5km) into a three-lane dual carriageway in the asphaltic concrete surfacing.

Jan 2021

Ghana: Contract for Accra-Tema Motorway and extensions project signed

The Government of the Republic of Ghana through the ministry of Roads & Highways in a statement has announced that it has signed a contract for the design and construction of the Accra-Tema Motorway and extensions project, from the Tema Interchange through Apenkwa Interchange to Neoplan Junction.

The contract was signed with, Mota-Engil- Engenharia E Constructao Africa S. A., a division of Mota-Engil, a Portuguese group in the sectors of civil construction, public works, port operations, waste, water, and logistics, following the approval of the Public Procurement Authority and the Central Tender Review Board.

The scope of the works under the contract

The reconstruction and expansion of the existing 19.5km motorway into a two-lane dual carriageway for the freeway and a three-lane dual carriageway for the urban highway are among the key scopes of the project. The freeway will remain concrete surfacing, whilst the urban highway will be in asphaltic concrete with paved shoulders.

Also Read: Ghana commissions Kete Krachi – Dodiokope Road Project

Other works include the reconstruction of the Tetteh Quarshie Interchange to Apenkwa Interchange (5.7km) into a six-lane dual carriageway with Asphaltic Concrete surfacing and the reconstruction of Tesano Junction – Neoplan Junction (2.5km) into a three-lane dual carriageway in the asphaltic concrete surfacing.

As part of the project, five new interchanges will also be constructed at Lashibi, Community 18 Junction, Teshie Link Junction, Dzorwulu Junction, and Neoplan Junction to facilitate traffic movement at the junctions. Remodeling of the Tetteh Quarshie Interchange to eliminate the perennial congestion, reconstruction of Apenkwa Interchange, and rehabilitation of Achimota Interchange are also part of the project.

The contractor will also provide streetlights, construct Toll plazas, and fourteen new pedestrian footbridges along the route to ensure the safe crossing of pedestrians, where necessary.

The start of the actual construction works

The actual construction works according to the statement will commence immediately after the detailed design has been approved and the relocation of services is completed. The Ghana Highway Authority is the project implementing agency.

Feb 2021

The Minister of Roads and Highways-designate, Kwesi Amoako Atta, defended the government’s decision to award the US $570m Accra-Tema motorway contract to a sole-sourced construction firm, Mota-Engil Engenharia Construcao Africa S.A.

According to him, the technical competence and financial viability best place for the company to execute the project, which has been on the drawing board for several years. “This is the recommendation by the technical group majority of which were not from the Roads Ministry. We have gone through a public-private partnership process and settled on a proven competent contractor to execute the project,” Mr. Amoako Attah told the Appointments Committee of Parliament.

The project, which was earlier pegged at US $470m under a public-private partnership agreement, had to be renegotiated for the contractor to solely fund the project. The Minority in Parliament had called for the cancellation of the project, alleging that it did not receive parliamentary approval and had no local component.

March 2021

The Japanese government appealed to the government of Ghana to extend tax waivers to some third nationality suppliers in order to pave way for the commencement of phase II of the Tema motorway project.

It has emerged that phase II of the project which was scheduled to begin in the last quarter of 2020 is being delayed due to the waiver demand.

June 2020

Tema Motorway Interchange Police post to be constructed in Ghana

The Tema Motorway Interchange is to have a police post constructed nearby according to plans set out by the Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA). The newly constructed interchange is located in Tema city on the Atlantic coast of Ghana.

Also Read: Ghana to begin reconstruction works on Agyiringanor Township roads in Accra

The purpose of the police post

According to Frank Asante, the Public Relations Officer for TMA, the proposed police post will be strategically placed and purposefully meant to ensure that the security for the public within that area is improved and most importantly to help with traffic management on the motorway.

Mr. Asante said that the post will have a control tower to help with traffic management and fasten response in case of any road crashes and accidents at the heart of Tema.  He also mentioned that the post is planned to be offering towing services for vehicles that may break down along the route and so on.

The input of the MTTD commissioner and ACP

On his side, Joseph Owusu-Bempah the MTTD Commander and Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) welcomed the idea saying that the project when complete will have a positive impact on traffic in the city.

“We have observed that most traffic incidents happen in and around the Tema Motorway Interchange and it is therefore very important and practical that police presence is felt at the place” he explained.

In the past the Regional MTTD Command had secured two office accommodations from the Ghana Highway Authority, to serve the same purpose but the building was later demolished in order to make way for the construction of the motorway.  The contractor, therefore, provided a small post for use by the Regional MTTD which even though it served the purpose, was a little bit inconvenient for it did not even have a parking space.

ACP Owusu-Bempah said that his department would do whatever there is to do to see to it that the project came to fruition.

August 2021

The Minister of Roads and Highways, Mr. Kwasi Amoako-Atta disclosed that the major plan to redevelop the Accra-Tema motorway will have five new interchanges and remodeling of the Tetteh Quarshie, Apenkwa, and Achimota interchanges.

The work, estimated at US $570m, will have 10 lanes, five lanes on either side, made up of four lanes of the reinforced concrete freeway and six lanes of urban highway.