Here's why Accra-Tema Motorway expansion project might delay

The expansion project on the Accra–Tema Motorway could face delays after traffic diversion arrangements at the Tetteh Quarshie Interchange triggered heavy gridlock, forcing contractors to suspend part of the planned works.

Project Manager of the expansion project, Ing Ben Sackey, disclosed that the diversion has been temporarily suspended following the severe congestion recorded during a traffic simulation exercise.

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According to him in an interview with ChannelOne TV, the team is reviewing the situation to identify a more workable approach that will reduce inconvenience to motorists, although the move could affect the project timeline.

“Basically, our work program has reached Tetteh Quarshie, where we are supposed to do expansion of the bridge. We are supposed to bring ten lanes to Tetteh Quarshie bridge so the existing lanes need to be expanded, adding three more on each side of the existing bridge over there,” he explained.

He noted that the key challenge facing the contractors is managing traffic flow at the busy interchange to allow them to proceed with construction works.

“Our problem is to control traffic at Tetteh Quarshie, to enable us to launch our T-beams on the pier that we have already constructed. Yesterday's exercise was first of all to arrange the traffic and to ensure that we simulate and see how effective it will be. So, from today onwards we will start with the launching of the beams,” he said.

Sackey said, however, the simulation exercise exposed unexpected traffic challenges.

“But yesterday, we realised that the impact of the traffic was not how we expected to have the traffic. So, due to that, we came to a decision that we have to suspend the man-made beams down over there because if that is how it's supposed to be, then for the next four months, it will be difficult for the public,” Sackey added.

He indicated that they are mindful of the impact of the project on road users and is working to ensure that construction activities do not cause prolonged hardship for the public.

“And as a contractor, we are sensitive to the public. So, we have to also listen to their challenges and difficulties to factor it into our program, although, suspending it is going to affect our schedule,” he stated.

Ing Sackey further revealed that stakeholders have already begun discussions to revise the traffic management plan.

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“…but, we are anxious in revising the scheme to find a better option where it will be conducive for the contractor and also the public as well. So, we had a meeting today with the stakeholders and we deliberated on it to find a better option that will not impose the cyclical traffic that we saw yesterday from the model,” he said.

‘We realised the impact of the traffic was not what we expected, so we decided to suspend it.’

— Project Manager of the Accra–Tema Motorway Expansion, Ing. Ben Sackey, says the diversion has been suspended after yesterday’s heavy gridlock. He explains that the team is reviewing… pic.twitter.com/xoAQh2oBX8

— CITI FM 97.3 (@Citi973) March 10, 2026