Minister of Roads and Highways, Mr Kwasi Amoako-Atta, has called upon drivers who traverse the Ofankor-Nsawam road to exercise patience and caution following a tragic accident that claimed the lives of more than seven individuals on Monday, February 5, 2024.
Addressing the media after inspecting ongoing road works on Friday, Mr Amoako-Atta expressed deep sorrow over the recent accident, describing it as “needless” and preventable. He emphasized that the accident occurred on a straight and well-constructed section of the road, suggesting that it could have been avoided if drivers had exercised caution and reduced speed.
“I’m saddened by the accident that happened on Monday, about a week ago, on this stretch of the road that led to the loss of I think seven or more lives,” he remarked.
The Minister urged motorists to prioritize safety and exercise caution to prevent further loss of life and property. He emphasized the importance of valuing one’s life and that of others while on the road.
The Ofankor-Nsawam section of National Route Six (N6) serves as a critical transportation artery for various communities in the Ga West Municipal Assembly, Pokuase, Amasaman, Medie, and Sarpeiman. Additionally, it facilitates trade between Ghana and neighboring landlocked countries such as Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.
Rehabilitation work on the 33.4km stretch, which forms part of the Accra-Kumasi road network, commenced in 2022 and is expected to be completed by July 2024. The project, funded by the Government at a cost of GH¢342.48, is being undertaken by Maripoma Enterprise Limited, a local construction firm.
Accompanied by engineers from the Ministry and the Ghana Highways Authority (GHA), including Deputy Minister of Roads Mr Stephen Jalulah and Chief Director of the Ministry Mr Abass Awolu, Mr Amoako-Atta reiterated the Government’s commitment to ensuring safety at all construction sites to prevent similar accidents in the future.
During the inspection, Mr Kwabena Bempong, Chief Resident Engineer for the Ofankor-Nsawam Road Project, highlighted several safety measures implemented by the contractor, including regular watering of the road to reduce dust and enhance visibility. He also called on the Road Safety Authority to assist in towing broken-down vehicles that impede traffic flow.
The Minister assured affected families of the Government’s support and pledged to complete the project on schedule to alleviate the challenges faced by motorists and residents in the area.
The Ofankor-Nsawam Road Project, currently a two-lane dual carriageway road, will be expanded to three lanes upon completion, along with service roads, an interchange, two overpasses, and one underpass.
Mr Bempong reported that project progress is currently at 50 percent, with substantial completion expected by the end of the year.
In addition to the inspection, the Minister also toured other road projects in the Greater Accra Region, including the Flowerpot Flyover and the upcoming Adentan-Dodowa Road Project.