Editorial: Road Contractors Must Expedite Work By Taking Advantage Of The 24-Hour Economy Policy

The Tema Roundabout to Tetteh Quarshie Interchange project in Ghana, a crucial link between the capital Accra and the industrial heartland of Tema, is currently 50% complete but running slightly behind schedule. Recently, Roads and Highways Minister Governs Kwame Agbodza visited progress sites and directed contractor Maripoma Enterprise Limited to expedite work by operating day and night, in line with the Government’s 24-hour economy policy.

This policy allows for disruptive construction activities at night, while minimizing daytime disruptions for motorists. The Minister praised the contractor's progress, particularly the early completion of the main bridge ahead of schedule without any public incidents. However, he emphasized the need for even faster work, as the disruption to motorists is becoming intolerable.

Project engineer Ing. Kwabena Bempong expressed confidence that the remaining work can be completed within the agreed timeline. This project is a vital component of efforts to modernize the Accra-Tema transport corridor, a key artery connecting Ghana's political and commercial capital to the country's industrial hub and largest port.

The corridor's economic importance cannot be overstated, as Ghana's ports handle 85% of the nation's trade, with Tema Port accounting for approximately 77% of total seaborne cargo throughput in 2023. Prolonged disruptions along this strategic route can have far-reaching impacts, from increased commuting delays and fuel consumption to higher logistics costs and reduced efficiency for businesses.

While the reported half-completion of the project provides some optimism, the focus must now be on timely completion. The Chronicle welcomes the Minister's insistence on accelerating the project while ensuring motorists' safety through dedicated lanes and better daytime management. However, this urgency should extend beyond the Accra-Tema corridor to other roads undergoing rehabilitation.

Contractors must adhere to agreed timelines, supervising agencies must enforce standards, and government must avoid using funding delays as an excuse for prolonged construction. Ghana needs roads that facilitate economic activity, not construction zones that impede it. The Minister's directive should be followed through with rigorous monitoring until motorists and businesses can finally benefit from the completed road.