The Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources has announced a significant road closure of sections of the Dr Busia Highway at Kaneshie, Accra, from September 7, 2026, to 1.5 kilometers, commencing with the paving of a new underground drain system. This decision follows a severe flooding event on June 29, 2026, which resulted in substantial damage to properties, disrupted livelihoods, and tragically, loss of life in Accra and coastal communities.
The announcement was made during a media sensitization campaign focusing on the Traffic Management Plan for the Kaneshie drainage improvement project, a major undertaking under the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) Project. The project involves replacing the existing drainage system in the Kaneshie area with a substantially larger underground rectangular drain, measuring approximately 10 meters wide and extending 1.5 kilometers from Pamprom Junction to First Light Junction.
As part of this project, the Ministry has outlined a phased implementation plan. Initially, the westbound carriageway of the Dr Busia Highway will be closed from Pamprom Junction, commencing on September 7, 2026, with an expected duration of 18 months. The closure will continue until the end of November 2026, impacting traffic flow to Korle Bu-Mortuary Road, Graphic Road, Obetsebi Lamptey Circle, and Kwame Nkrumah Circle, as well as the adjacent areas.
Alternative routes will be established to mitigate the disruption. Motorists are directed to utilize the Awudome Cemetery Road, the New Times Corporation-Awudome Roundabout route, and the Oblogo-Mataheko route to reach First Light Junction. Traffic will be managed through the Obetsebi Lamptey Interchange to Oblogo Traffic Light route, opposite the ICGC Christ Temple, and through Mataheko to First Light Junction.
Dr Kwadwo Ohene Sarfoh, Coordinator of the Garid Project, explained that the existing drainage system comprised two 1.2-meter diameter pipes. He stated that the new system will feature a double-cell underground rectangular drain, designed to provide a more efficient and reliable drainage solution. The drain will connect to a recently completed section within the Accra Academy campus and to the existing drain at Pamprom Junction.
The project has been coordinated by the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service, with collaboration from the Accra Metropolitan Assembly and the Ablekuma Central Municipal Assembly. The MTTD will operate toll-free lines, 0800 800 900 and 0800 500 600, to address public concerns and ensure traffic flow.
Mr. Ibrahim, the Minister for Works, Housing and Water Resources, emphasized the importance of public cooperation and urged all stakeholders to cooperate with the traffic diversions. He also noted that the remaining westbound section of the highway, from Kaneshie Station to First Light Junction, would remain closed until August 2027, to allow the drainage works to continue. The second phase of restrictions will encompass the stretch from First Light Intersection to the Cocoa Clinic Roundabout, scheduled to run from September to the end of October 2027. This phase will affect vehicles traveling from the Russia Community and the Flamingo Traffic Light, as well as motorists coming from Kasoa and Odorkor. The Ministry has also established two toll-free lines, 0800 800 900 and 0800 500 600, to facilitate public inquiries and information.
Traffic officials will be utilizing the Obetsebi Lamptey Interchange to Oblogo Traffic Light route, opposite the ICGC Christ Temple, and connecting through Mataheko to First Light Junction. The Ministry acknowledged that the restrictions would cause inconvenience but asserted that the works were necessary to provide permanent drainage infrastructure and reduce flooding in Kaneshie and surrounding communities.
The project has been partially funded through the Motor Traffic and Transport Department, and the Ministry has expressed its commitment to ensuring the project is completed efficiently and safely.
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Source: Graphic Online
