Tamale Interchange is 99% complete – Roads Minister

The Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwasi Amoako Atta, has disclosed that, the ongoing Tamale Interchange is 99% complete.

The interchange project commenced in December 2019 and scheduled for completion by June 2022 but the Minister told Parliament on Friday that “actual works are expected to be completed by March, 2022. Overall physical completion stands at 99%”.

According to the Minister, the completion of the project would segregate arterial traffic from the local ones and improve travel time and enhance reasonable safety within the Central Business District.

Background

As a result of the bilateral economic relationship between Ghana and its neighboring countries up North, Tamale has become an economic hub within the sub-region and a transit point for commuters making business trips between the southern part of Ghana and the neighboring countries.

Increase in traffic growth patterns over recent times has contributed to congestion in the Central Business District (CBD).

In related development, the sector Minister has noted that, plans are far advanced to address the high traffic congestion and safety challenges at the Osino, Anyinam, Enyiresi and Konongo locations on the corridor of the Accra-Kumasi Highway.

According to Mr. Amoako Atta, The Accra-Nsawam-Kwafokrom-Apedwa and Ejisu-Kumasi sections have been dualized, however, the section between Apedwa and Ejisu is a single carriageway.

“The long-term strategic plan is to dualize the entire Accra-Kumasi Highway — N6 to facilitate efficient transportation, accessibility, reduction in travel time, among other benefits,” he stated.

The Accra – Kumasi Highway forms an integral part of the National Road 6 (N6). It is the Central corridor of the country. It is a strategic road which serves as a major route for transit vehicles to the Northern part of the country and neighboring countries.

It connects Accra, Suhum, Bunso, Osino, Anyinam, Enyiresi, Nkawkaw, Konongo, Ejisu, Kumasi etc.

Procurement for works contract for the construction of four (4) bypasses (dualisation) at Osino, Anyinam, Enyiresi and Konongo is ongoing.

The Minister on 11th March provided these answers to questions asked by Hon. Habib Iddrisu and Andy Appiah-Kubi, Members of Parliament (MPs) for Tolon and Asante Akyem North constituencies respectively.

By Edzorna Mensah