Ministry Introduces Use Of Solar Energy

The Ministry of Transportation has introduced the use of solar energy to control the traffic system in the country.

The system, which is already in use on a pilot basis on the Kanda Highway in Accra, will be extended to other parts of the country soon.

The Director of Urban Roads, Mr Alex Twumasi-Boachie, made this known yesterday when he conducted the acting Minister of Transportation, Mr Felix Owusu-Adjapong, and some journalists round the three-lane carriageway under construction from Achimota to Ofankor.

He said the use of the solar system would ensure uninterrupted traffic flow, as well as reduce the burden on security personnel who directed traffic when the lights were off.

Mr Twumasi-Boachie said work on the Achimota Interchange had been completed and would be ready for use by the end of this month.

Site works have also begun on the 5.7 km Achimota-Ofankor interchanges and service lanes.

The felling of tress, clearing of vegetation and garbage, as well as the evacuation of unsuitable materials in swamps, were in progress when journalists arrived at Ofankor at about 1.00 p.m.

The interchange at the Hotel de Joko Junction (Mile 7) had to be moved to Ofankor because of its closeness to the Achimota Interchange. That made it necessary to review the entire drawings for the road.

The ¢403 billion project is expected to be completed on November 15, 2009.

The minister also inspected work on the 400-capacity Achimota Bus Terminal.

He commended the contractors for completing the work on schedule and urged them to hand over the facility on time.

Story By Timothy Gobah