The Minister for Roads and Highways, Hon. Francis Asenso-Boakye, inspected the ongoing bypass projects along the Accra-Kumasi Highway.
The Minister expressed satisfaction with the quality and standards of work achieved thus far. During his visit, Minister Asenso-Boakye commended the efforts of the contractors while also addressing some of the challenges that have impacted the project’s timeline.
“I would have wished that the project would have progressed much faster than this. But we are operating in an area that has suffered from galamsey activities and is heavily waterlogged and swampy.”
Hon. Francis Asenso-Boakye, Minister for Roads and Highways
Minister Asenso-Boakye noted that these conditions have necessitated extensive ground stabilization efforts, including the deployment of numerous boulders to solidify the terrain, which has consequently delayed some sections of the project.
The construction works on the four major bypasses on the Accra-Kumasi Highway are advancing steadily, with physical completion rates varying between 37% and 73% across different segments.
The project encompasses four key bypasses: the 11.6km Osino bypass, the 6.1km Anyinam bypass, the 10.6km Enyiresi bypass, and the 13.5km Konongo bypass. These bypasses aim to reroute traffic, particularly heavy trucks destined for Kumasi and beyond, to enhance traffic flow and improve road safety.
The Minister highlighted that despite the challenges posed by the terrain, significant progress has been made. The eight Ghanaian contractors involved in the project have completed over 60 box culverts and 120 pipe culverts.
Currently, they are engaged in earthworks, constructing underpasses and overpasses, building bridges, and treating swampy areas along the project corridor.
“The contractors have shown great commitment and ingenuity in handling the difficult conditions we face. The progress made so far is commendable, and we are confident that the project will continue to advance steadily.”
Hon. Francis Asenso-Boakye, Minister for Roads and Highways
Community and Environmental Impact
The bypass projects are expected to have a significant positive impact on the communities along the highway. By redirecting heavy truck traffic away from local roads, the bypasses will reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality in the affected areas.
Additionally, the enhanced road infrastructure will facilitate easier and safer travel for residents and commuters.
Minister Asenso-Boakye also addressed concerns about the environmental impact of the construction activities.
“We are committed to ensuring that the construction process is environmentally sustainable. Measures are in place to mitigate any adverse effects, and we are working closely with environmental experts to monitor and manage the impact.”
Hon. Francis Asenso-Boakye, Minister for Roads and Highways
The bypass projects on the Accra-Kumasi Highway were initiated in June of the previous year when the government mobilized eight local contractors.
The primary goal of these projects is to alleviate traffic congestion by providing alternative routes for heavy trucks, thereby increasing road capacity and improving safety for both vehicles and pedestrians.
The construction of these bypasses is a critical component of the broader strategy to enhance the country’s road infrastructure and support economic growth.
Looking ahead, the Minister expressed optimism about the continued progress of the bypass projects. He emphasized the government’s commitment to completing the projects within the stipulated timelines while maintaining high standards of quality and safety.
The next phases of the project will focus on completing the remaining earthworks, constructing additional bridges, and finalizing the road surfaces.
The successful completion of the bypasses is expected to significantly enhance the overall efficiency of the Accra-Kumasi Highway, reducing travel times and boosting economic activities in the region. Minister Asenso-Boakye reiterated the government’s dedication to improving the country’s road infrastructure as a means of fostering national development.
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