Sankara Overpass Renamed After Ako Adjei

The Sankara Overpass has been renamed Dr. Ako Adjei interchange, after a member of the Big Six and an illustrious son of Accra. The Greater Accra Co-ordinating Council has therefore directed the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), to effect the change of name immediately. Greater Accra Regional Minister, Sheikh I.C. Quaye, yesterday disclosed this at a workshop organised by the AMA and the Regional Coordinating Council for newly elected Assembly Members in the Accra Metropolis. He said government has decided to honour all citizens who contribute towards the development of the country in order to inspire others and the generations to come. "As the saying goes, a country that does not honour its heroes is not worth dying for," he said. The Minister said plans the memory of other great men in Ghana's history including William Ofori-Atta, Edward Akufo-Addo and Paa Grant will also be honoured. The achievements and contributions of some members of the Big Six, he acknowledged have already been recognized by past governments. Dr. Kwame Nkrumah's name has been restored at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle, Obetsebi-Lamptey roundabout testifies to the memory of Obetsebi-Lamptey, as the Danquah Circle, around Osu, honours Dr. J.B. Danquah. However, he said, more must be done to honour their memory. The Minister expressed government's gratitude, to the Ga Traditional Council and the Accra Metropolitan Assembly for taking steps to honour the memory of the ancient ruler of the Ga State, King Tackie Tawiah I, "with a befitting statue at the Makola Square". The interchange, located on Ring Road East, was a roundabout that at various times in Ghana's political history represented the identities and interests of the rulers. The National Redemption Council (NRC) changed its original name from Akuafo Roundabout to Redemption Circle. Some years later, the PNDC renamed the place Sankara Circle, in memory of Captain Thomas Sankara, a military ruler of Burkina Faso. The roundabout was developed into a multi purpose traffic interchange a few years ago, to help reduce the difficult traffic situation on Ring Road East and Independent Avenue intersection. Since its completion, in 1999, members of the public have called for the renaming of the interchange.