Meridian Ports Services Ltd(MPS) with support from the Ministry of Roads & Highways and the Ministry of Transport has cut sod for the improvement of the Tema Community 3 Beach Road Junction. The project is being solely financed by the shareholders of MPS at a cost of (9 Million U.S. Dollars) 40 million Ghana Cedis.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, CEO of MPS, Mr. Mohamed Samara expressed confidence that the project when completed will alleviate transport difficulties in the Tema enclave. He said that this was a necessary project as the Beach Road was the second major road that connected the Port city to Accra and beyond.

The project consists of the creation of a new roundabout and four new slip roads within each quadrant of the roundabout to reduce the number of vehicles approaching the roundabout, and the upgraded access and egress lanes to the north, east and westerly approaches. The project will also create a new access at-grade railway cross to the New Port. It is expected that the project will be completed by the end of June of 2019 in time before the opening of the new port.

He also announced the intention of MPS through its shareholders to build an 8 lane expressway from the Hospital Road through to Ashaiman. He said that the road will be made of concrete complete with lighting and other necessary aesthetic and safety features to ensure durability.

The Deputy Minister of Transport, Hon Daniel Nii Kwartei Titus-Glover who read a speech on behalf of the Minister of Transport said that the project was opportune and in line with Ghana’s quest to fit into the global economy as well as to enhance national development through the upgrade of existing infrastructure especially those linked to the Port.

He appealed to the pedestrians and motorists to be safety conscious as the festivities approach.“Many lives have been lost through road accidents. The statistics are extreme with some losing limbs. Let us all be concerned about our safety as we celebrate the Christmas and the coming holidays”

The Minister of Roads and Highways, Hon. Kwesi Amoako Atta commended MPS for their consistent contribution to the development of Tema especially in the area of road infrastructure.

“Government holds in high esteem MPS because of the previous works they have done. We know their capabilities and can attest to their efficiency. I must confess that without the initial works they did at the Motorway Roundabout, the current works would have been in jeopardy. As a result of the works, we are not experiencing any traffic congestion as the project progresses.”

He added that he was satisfied that the road design and quality of materials junction complies with the highest standards used in the construction of roads and would also ensure environmental sustainability.  

BACKGROUND

The Beach Road Junction currently suffers from serious traffic bottlenecks during the peak hours, which impede the movement of private and commercial vehicles within Tema and affect inter-city commuters who use the junction when commuting to and from the Greater Accra Region, as well as the Eastern.

The project which was launched in November 2018, features the construction of 7 km of equivalent single carriageway including 45,000 cubic meters of Earthworks, 30,000 square meters pavement of reinforced concrete, a 2km Drainage system as well as Traffic signs (4 Gantries) and 50 Light poles to provide Street Lighting.

This is the second time MPS is undertaking a project of such nature, the first was the expansion of the Accra- Tema Motorway Roundabout in 2017, one of the largest corporate social initiatives to be undertaken by a single private entity.