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President Akufo-Addo cuts sod for Accra-Tema Motorway reconstruction project
In a significant move to enhance the nation’s infrastructure, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has officiated the sod-cutting ceremony for the reconstruction of the Accra-Tema Motorway.
This marks a pivotal moment in Ghana’s development journey, promising to reshape the future of transportation and economic connectivity in the country.
Speaking at the ceremony on Monday, August 26, 2024, President Akufo-Addo highlighted the historical significance and the continued relevance of the Accra-Tema Motorway, originally commissioned in 1965 by Ghana’s first President, Kwame Nkrumah.
“For nearly six decades, this motorway has been a vital artery for our nation’s development, carrying an average of forty-five thousand vehicles per day, however, the time has come to renew this legacy and ensure that it continues to serve the people of Ghana for generations to come,” the President noted.
The President underscored the importance of the project as Ghana’s first Public-Private Partnership (PPP) in road infrastructure, a bold step designed to bring efficiency, sustainability, and fiscal responsibility to the nation’s infrastructure development efforts.
“By uniting the expertise and resources of both public and private sectors, and with the strategic backing of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF), we are not merely constructing a road; we are building a future,” he declared.
The Accra-Tema Motorway reconstruction will be executed in three distinct sections: from the Accra-Tema Motorway Roundabout to the Tetteh Quarshie Interchange, from the Tetteh Quarshie Interchange to the Apenkwa Interchange, and from the Apenkwa Interchange to Neoplan Junction on the Accra-Kumasi Road. Today’s ceremony marks the commencement of construction on the first section, a critical phase that will enhance connectivity and support economic growth in the region.
President Akufo-Addo reiterated his administration’s commitment to modernizing Ghana’s infrastructure to meet the demands of the 21st century. “Already, we have made significant strides with ongoing projects such as the dualization of the Santasi-Ahiakwanta Road and the Adenta-Dodowa Road,” he said, adding that other key road projects, including the dualization of the Kasoa-Winneba Road and the Takoradi-Agona Junction Road, are progressing steadily.
He further announced the mobilization of contractors for the Atsutsuare-Volivo-Aveyime and Dafor-Adidome-Asikuma Roads, which include an interchange at Asikuma Junction. These projects, funded by the Government of Ghana and the African Development Bank, aim to significantly improve travel times and reduce vehicle operating costs upon completion.
In addition to these new initiatives, substantial progress has been made on several other major road projects. The President provided updates on key projects such as the dualization of the Achimota-Ofankor Road, which is being expanded into a ten-lane facility and is currently 62% complete, and the construction of the Dome-Kitase Road, which is 26% complete. He also mentioned the construction of the Tema-Akosombo Road, with sections being dualized to six lanes, and the Obetsebi Lamptey Interchange (Phase 2), which is 87% complete.
President Akufo-Addo expressed his gratitude to the officials and professionals from the Ministry of Roads and Highways, the Ministry of Finance, the Office of the Attorney General, the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund, and their consultants for their tireless efforts in crafting a PPP structure that leverages Ghanaian expertise in delivering this critical road project. “Their dedication to delivering this project is most commendable,” he acknowledged.
The President took particular pride in the fact that the contractor for the first phase of the project is M/S Maripoma Enterprise Ltd., a wholly Ghanaian-owned company. “This is a testament to the capability and ingenuity of our domestic enterprises, and I am confident that they will deliver this project to the highest standards,” he stated.
President Akufo-Addo emphasized the significance of undertaking such a monumental project during his tenure.
“The reconstruction and expansion of the Accra-Tema Motorway is proof of my government’s commitment to building a Ghana that is modern, prosperous, and connected,” he affirmed.
The president called on the Ministries of Roads and Highways and Finance to continue working diligently to ensure the project’s timely and cost-effective completion.
As Ghana embarks on this transformative journey, President Akufo-Addo’s administration remains focused on creating a robust infrastructure foundation that will drive economic growth and enhance the quality of life for all Ghanaians. “Together, we are laying the foundation for a brighter future for all Ghanaians,” he concluded.
The ceremony was attended by government officials, local leaders, and stakeholders who expressed optimism about the future of Ghana’s infrastructure development.
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Stop the hypocrisy and serve the interest of Ghana- Della Sowah jabs GBA
Former Member of Kpando, Della Sowah has jabbed the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) over what she describes as hypocrisy.
This follows a press release by the GBA demanding a reversal of the suspension of the Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkornoo.
In a statement dated April 26, the GBA contended that the President’s decision to suspend the Chief Justice under Article 146(10) of the Constitution is flawed.
Responding to the GBA in an interaction with the media, Della Sowah said the GBA’s position is out of hypocrisy where the Association only finds its voice on national issues when the NDC is in power.
“Where was the GBA when Charlotte Osei an astute lawyer was removed as Chair of the Electoral Commission under the erstwhile NPP government?,” she quizzed.
She added that few days ago the GBA in a first press release signed by their President, Mrs. Efua Ghartey, did not find anything constitutionally wrong with the President’s action on the removal of the Chief Justice.
” Why the sharp U-turn? Is GBA serving the interest of a political party rather than Ghana? Who is forcing them,” she asked.
Della Sowah further added that the GBA is not the Constitution and they cannot arrogate to themselves powers they do not have.
” Who are you to declare the decision of the President unconstitutional? Are you now arrogating to yourselves the powers of the Supreme Court?,” she quizzed.
She charged the GBA to refrain from its dislike for the NDC else they would lose their relevance on national matters.
Della Sowah finally advised them to desist from misleading their members and young lawyers on issues of constitutional interpretation due to their biases.
She assured the public that President Mahama will follow the constitution and ensure everything is done in line with the laws of Ghana.
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Communication Ministry To Train 3000 Girls This Year Under The Girls-In-ICT Initiative
The Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations is set to train 3,000 girls under this year’s Girls-In-ICT Initiative.
The 2025 edition of the programme will expand its footprint to three key regions: Volta, Upper East and Upper West, with each region hosting 1,000 girls for in-person training sessions.
This marks a significant increase in reach and impact compared to previous years, where only 500 girls received face-to-face training while an additional 500 participated online.
By offering full in-person training to all participants this year, the Ministry aims to provide a more immersive and hands-on experience in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) education.
The Minister, Samuel Nartey George (MP) revealed this when a team from TATA Consultancy Services (TCS) paid a courtesy call on him today in his office and expressed interest in supporting the Girls-In-ICT Initiative.
During the meeting, the TCS team led by the President-MEA, Sumanta Roy commended the Ministry for its efforts in promoting digital inclusion and bridging the gender gap in technology through the Girls-In-ICT programme.
They emphasized the alignment of the initiative with TCS’s global corporate social responsibility agenda, which includes advancing education, promoting digital skills, and empowering underrepresented groups, especially young women in the tech industry.
The Honourable Minister welcomed the interest shown by TCS and noted that strategic partnerships like this are essential to the sustainability and expansion of the initiative.
The Girls-In-ICT Initiative, one of the Ministry’s flagship programs, seeks to equip young girls with practical digital skills and introduce them to the vast opportunities within the ICT sector.
The initiative also aims to address gender disparity in STEM fields and encourage greater female participation in Ghana’s digital economy.
Hon. Samuel Nartey George (MP) speaking about the 2025 rollout, stated: “This year’s program represents our commitment to building inclusive digital skills and creating future leaders in tech.
By expanding in-person sessions to all participants, we’re ensuring that every girl has the opportunity to learn, engage, and grow with hands-on support from professionals and mentors”.
Participants in this year’s training will receive instruction in coding, basic computer operations, cybersecurity and creative digital tools.
The programme also features mentorship sessions with women in tech, ICT competitions and career development workshops designed to build confidence and spark innovation among the girls.
According to the Minister, empowering girls today with ICT skills will transform communities and drive national development. The initiative is a key part of Ghana’s broader digital transformation agenda, which emphasizes equitable access to digital tools and education for all citizens.
About the Girls In ICT Initiative:
The Girls-in-ICT (GIICT) Initiative was introduced in Ghana in 2012. It is an initiative by the International Telecommunications Union to create a global environment that empowers and encourages girls and young women to consider studies and careers in the growing field of ICT.
