Government to improve road networks -Kofi Awoonor

The Chairman of the Council of State, Professor Kofi Awoonor, has assured Ghanaians of the government's commitment to improve the road network across the length and breadth of the country within the next couple of years.

He however noted that rehabilitation works had already started in some areas to ease the traffic jams that often characterises most towns.

Prof. Awoonor made these comments when he commissioned the Achimota Transportation Terminal yesterday.

He indicated the government's preparedness to introduce what he called a Pilot Box Rapid System, to help deliver a quality transportation system in Accra.

He therefore appealed to all stakeholders to dialogue with the sector Ministry, to help improve existing conditions in the country.

Furthermore, the Chairman of Council of State talked of plans to coordinate traffic lights in Accra to effectively manage the traffic situation in the capital city.

“Government is committed to meeting the needs of the majority of Ghanaians, and we will do all that is within our power to ensure this,” he added.

He further congratulated the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) executive, and the Ministry of Roads and Transport, saying that “it was important in our development goals to put in place such measures.”

The terminal, which has a parking capacity for 800 vehicles, has other facilities including a police post, clinic, four 20-unit toilet facility, and 10 canteens, all estimated to cost about GH¢1.2 billion.

It also has waiting sheds for commuters, electronic destination boards, offices for the local driver's union, and close circuit television cameras to track down illegal activities.

The project was financed by both the Government of Ghana and the World Bank.

The Mayor of the city of Accra, Mr. Alfred Oko Vanderpuije, who was present at the programme, said the terminal would help the AMA to decongest the section of the Accra-Nsawam road between Apenkwa and the Achimota interchange.

“The Nsawam road is a most important major arterial, and connects Accra, the nation's capital, to Kumasi, Tamale, and subsequently to other countries like Burkina Faso and Mali,” he noted.

He directed that all transport stations along the Accra-Nsawam road, should be relocated to the new terminal.

Sooner than later, he said, the articulated trucks parked along the same road, would also be relocated to a place cleared specifically for them outside the terminal.

He also hinted of an impending demolition exercise at other transport terminals to remove unapproved structures within the stations, with the view of decongesting and bringing them up to appreciable standards.

Mr. Vanderpuije also tasked the management of the new terminal to ensure the best professional practices, cautioning that the haphazard parking of vehicles would not be tolerated, as well as hawking in and around the terminal.

He further tasked the management to ensure that a strict maintenance regime was observed to protect the heavy investment the government had made, adding that the Assembly would not compromise on its maintenance culture.