The Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) Project, a significant infrastructure initiative, has initiated phased road closures and alternative routes ahead of the construction of a major underground stormwater drain along the Dr Busia Highway in the Kaneshie enclave. This project, commencing on September 7, 2026, involves the construction of a double-cell rectangular drain stretching approximately 1.5 kilometers from Pamprom Junction to First Light Junction. The Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources, in collaboration with the Department of Urban Roads, has developed a comprehensive traffic management plan to ensure the safe and efficient movement of vehicles during the construction phase.
Traffic management arrangements will begin on September 7, with the westbound carriageway of the Dr Busia Highway from Pamprom Junction being closed. This closure is expected to last until November 2026, affecting motorists traveling towards Pamprom Junction, First Light and adjacent areas.
As a crucial component of this project, the Ministry has established designated alternative routes, including a network of pathways connecting the recently completed drainage section within the Accra Academy campus to the drain at Pamprom Junction.
This network is designed to allow motorists to reconnect to First Light Junction and continue their journeys.
“The initial phase, commencing September 7th, will effectively shut down the westbound carriageway of the Dr Busia Highway, providing a crucial logistical hurdle for the construction,” stated Dr. Kwadwo Ohene Sarfo, Coordinator of the GARID Project. “This temporary closure is essential to allow for the ongoing construction of the underground drainage system.” He further explained that the project’s duration is anticipated to be completed by the end of November 2026, with the anticipated reopening of the road in the first week of December 2026.
To mitigate potential disruptions, the project has also implemented a series of notifications and signage. Dr. Ohene Sarfo emphasized that the remaining westbound section of the Dr Busia Highway, from Kaneshie Station to First Light, will remain closed until August 2027, to allow for the complete drainage system to be constructed. This extension is a direct result of the necessity to ensure the continued operation of the underground drainage infrastructure.
Furthermore, the project will involve a considerable level of traffic management. The Motor Traffic and Transport Department is actively deploying personnel to manage traffic and assist road users. The project is also expanding the toll-free telephone line: 0800800900 or 0800500600 to allow for easier communication and support.
During the construction period, the road linking the First Light intersection on the westbound side to the Cocoa Clinic Roundabout will remain closed to traffic. This closure is impacting vehicles traveling from the Russia community and Flamingo traffic lights towards the Cocoa Clinic Roundabout. It will also affect motorists travelling from Kasoa and Odorkor towards the Cocoa Clinic Roundabout.
Dr. Ohene Sarfo stated that the public will be given advance notice of the arrangements, and the project has established dedicated toll-free telephone lines to receive enquiries, complaints and requests for traffic-related information throughout the implementation period.
The project is a significant investment in Accra’s infrastructure and is expected to have a lasting impact on the city’s drainage capacity. The Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources has also issued a warning to those who do not have essential business within the construction area, urging them to avoid the affected corridors.
As part of the overall logistics, the project is also establishing dedicated toll-free telephone lines to receive enquiries, complaints, and requests for traffic-related information, and the number is: 0800800900 or 0800500600 for MTN and Telecel networks.
The construction is being carried out in accordance with the June 29 flood disaster in Accra, which exposed critical drainage vulnerabilities and underscored the need for a more robust system. The project is part of the broader GARID initiative aimed at creating a more resilient and sustainable urban environment. Tourism Minister, [Minister’s Name], has highlighted the importance of Kintampo Waterfalls, emphasizing the need for increased attention to drainage issues in the region.
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Source: Adom Online
