Works Minister pushes for shorter timeline for Kaneshie–First Light Road Project

Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, Mr Ahmed Ibrahim, has directed that the proposed 1-year construction period for the Kaneshie–Pamprom to First Light Road project be reviewed, saying government wants the works completed within a significantly shorter timeframe.

He said the planned closure of about 1.5 kilometres of the busy road could create serious inconvenience for motorists and residents, making it necessary for the contractor to explore every possible means of accelerating construction.

Mr Ibrahim made the remarks after leading officials on an inspection of the project site under the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) project.

The inspection followed a presidential press conference and the commencement of public sensitisation ahead of the proposed closure of the road.

The project will require the complete removal of the existing asphalt on the affected section to facilitate major drainage and other engineering works intended to address the persistent flooding in the area.

According to Mr Ibrahim, although the road currently appears to be in good condition, substantial works are required underneath the surface, particularly improvements to the drainage system.

He explained that the closure would be implemented in phases, supported by extensive public education to inform motorists about alternative routes and help minimise disruption.

The Minister, however, stressed that government must first undertake a comprehensive assessment of the likely impact of the closure before full construction begins.

He said key stakeholders, including the Ministers for Roads and Highways, Finance and National Security, would have to be properly briefed on the implications of the project.

Mr Ibrahim also said it was important to establish whether the available alternative routes had the capacity to absorb the thousands of vehicles that use the Kaneshie–First Light corridor daily.

“Even when it is in good shape, there is traffic. So before you touch it, we should know the number of cars that move on this stretch and whether the alternative routes can take the vehicular traffic that will be diverted,” he added.

He further tasked the contractor to demonstrate its preparedness by submitting a detailed work plan outlining how construction could be expedited.

Although the current estimated completion period is 1 year, the Minister said government was considering reducing the timeframe to between 6 and 9 months.

He said a test closure would be conducted to determine the effect on traffic flow and assess the suitability of the proposed diversion routes.

Mr Ibrahim stressed that the duration of the construction remained a major concern, insisting that government would not subject the travelling public to prolonged hardship because of delays.

He warned that the project would not proceed if he was not satisfied with the proposed arrangements and timeline.

The Minister also urged the contractor to work closely with government to identify any additional resources or support needed to ensure the project was delivered within the agreed timeframe.