President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has officially opened the Tamale interchange constructed under the $2 billion Master Project Support Agreement (MPSA).
The new edifice named as Naa Gbewaa interchange, constructed by the Akufo-Administration with Messrs Sinohydro as the contractor, is the first of its kind in the five regions of the North.
President Akufo-Addo opened the landmark infrastructure to traffic whilst celebrating his 78th birthday yesterday, making him a history maker in Northern Ghana and the country.
“Nearly three years ago, on 10th April, 2019, I was in Tamale to launch the Sinohydro Master Project Support Agreement and cut the sod for the construction of the Tamale interchange, the first interchange in the northern sector of our country. I’m delighted to be back again– this time on my birthday to commission the Tamale interchange which has been completed three months ahead of schedule and on budget in the midst of a global pandemic, which has brought considerably destructions to every face of national life.
“The Tamale Interchange is the fourth interchange constructed since I came into office, following the completion of the Tema Motorway Phase 1 Interchange, Obetsebi Lamptey Phase1 Interchange and the 4-tier Pokuase Interchange”, President Akufo-Addo added.
The Naa Gbewaa interchange is a pre-stressed concrete continuous bridge, with very few joints to enhance driving comfort.
It also includes the construction of some 1.1 kilometres of roads on the interchange, the provision of good drainage systems, the erection of streetlights, and 10 kilometres of asphaltic overlay around the Interchange.
“The Tamale interchange will provide prime urban space under the interchange which has to be put into good use for the benefit of the country and Tamale. The Ministry of Roads and Highways should liaise with the Regional Coordinating Council and the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly to develop the prime line to befit the status of the interchange”, President Akufo-Addo directed.
Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia who led the negotiations on the Sinohydro agreement was among government officials and traditional rulers including Ya Na Abukari II who graced the commissioning of the project.
Sinohydro agreement
Government of Ghana entered into a barter arrangement with the Sinohydro Corporation of China to construct a number of infrastructure projects including roads, bridges, housing facilities and extension of electricity to rural communities across the country.
President Akufo-Addo mentioned that the Tamale interchange is the four of interchanges constructed since he assumed the reigns of power in 2017, following the construction of the Tema Motorway phase one, Obetsebi Lamptey phase one and the four-tier Pokuase interchange.
Other critical road projects
President Akufo-Addo said some selected roads in Tamale, the Yendi municipality, Walewale, Gambaga, Nalerigu and Damongo have been asphalted as part of the year of roads agenda.
He noted the sector ministry has programmed to complete some 1,500 kilometres of asphalt overlay works between 2021 and 2024.
President Akufo-Addo announced that work will soon commence from the second quarter of this year for the reconstruction of Tamale to Walewale road phase one.
This, he noted, will improve the section between Savelugu and Walewale, adding the section between Tamale and Savelugu shall be widened into a dual carriage way.
President Akufo-Addo added that the rehabilitation of 106 km Yendi to Tamale road will be done by Messrs China Water and Electric, rehabilitation of 62km Yendi to Zabzugu road will be done by China Jianxhi Limited, and the rehabilitation of 670km of feeder roads in the Upper West region.
Ya Na praises Akufo-Addo
Ya Naa Abukari II, Overlord of Dagbon in his address thanked President Nana Akufo-Addo for the massive facelift given to the road infrastructure in the northern regional capital and its adjoining communities.
“Before I arrived for the commissioning of this major project, I received several reports from many chiefs and subjects about the massive asphalting and improvement of roads in Tamale and other cities in northern region. Therefore, these projects give real meaning to the government’s declaration of 2021 and 2022 as the year of roads”, the Overlord of Dagbon acknowledged.
According to him, the rapid urbanization in Ghana which swells population in major cities of the country gives a real value to this interchange and also underscores the importance of the project.
He added that this will ease congestion within the central business district and improve traffic flow in the entire Greater Tamale Metropolitan Area.
Improve living conditions
The Dagbon King emphasised that the monumental infrastructure will increase economic growth and enhance the living conditions of the people of Tamale and the northern region at large.
“Your Excellency, this therefore is a great project and a prudent investment for economic growth in the region. Thank You for that”, he commended.
