On November 19, 2024, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo officially inaugurated the much-anticipated Flowerpot Interchange, a vital infrastructure project designed to improve connectivity between the northern and southern parts of the Accra-Tema Motorway. The new interchange, constructed by China Railway Engineering Ghana, is set to alleviate traffic congestion, enhance urban mobility, and spur socio-economic growth in the capital.
Key Features of the Flowerpot Interchange
The Flowerpot Interchange is a landmark development featuring an 802-meter dual carriageway and a modern overpass at the busy Spintex Road Flowerpot Roundabout. This strategic location has long been a traffic bottleneck, with up to 5,000 vehicles passing through the area during peak hours. The new interchange is expected to significantly ease traffic flow across major areas of Accra, including Cantonments, Burma Camp, East Legon, and the Spintex Road corridor.
In addition to the dual carriageway, the project also includes:
- An 80-meter ramp connecting the viaduct to the motorway heading towards Tema.
- A 140-meter ramp linking Shiashie to the viaduct towards the Airport Hills.
- A new road through the East Legon tunnel, enhancing access to surrounding areas.
- A 200-meter road connecting Cantonments to the Giffard Road Interchange.
These features are complemented by pedestrian walkways, cycling lanes, streetlights, crash barriers, traffic signals, and recreational facilities. The interchange also includes essential public infrastructure such as a fire station and a police post, further improving safety and convenience for commuters.
Traffic Relief and Economic Impact
According to President Akufo-Addo, the Flowerpot Interchange is part of his government’s broader vision to expand Ghana’s road network and address the growing traffic challenges in Accra. The area, once plagued by traffic gridlocks, will now see improved road efficiency, benefiting not only daily commuters but also stimulating business activity and economic growth in the region.
Accra, one of Africa’s fastest-growing cities, is experiencing a significant population boom. The United Nations projects that the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area, home to over four million people and 2.5 million daily commuters, will grow to nearly 10 million residents by 2050. As such, modernizing the city’s infrastructure is a critical component of maintaining its economic competitiveness and quality of life.
More Road Projects Underway in Accra
The Flowerpot Interchange is just one of several key road projects transforming Accra’s transportation landscape. Other notable developments include:
- The Pokuase Interchange, a four-tier road network that is a first in West Africa.
- The Borteyman Road Network and East Legon Underpass, which are already improving traffic flow in the city.
- The Tema Motorway Phase One, a key upgrade to one of the country’s busiest routes.
In addition, President Akufo-Addo announced that the government is pushing forward with 14 new interchange projects across the country, with several more in the pipeline for completion by 2025. These projects are part of a broader infrastructure development strategy aimed at improving transportation, supporting economic growth, and meeting the demands of a rapidly urbanizing population.
A Legacy of Infrastructure Development
The completion of the Flowerpot Interchange marks another milestone in the Akufo-Addo administration’s commitment to building a more connected, efficient, and prosperous Ghana. Minister for Roads and Highways, Mr. Francis Asenso-Boakye, emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of these new infrastructures, urging the public not to erect unauthorized structures along the interchanges and medians.
As President Akufo-Addo stated, “We are building a new Ghana — a nation that works for everyone.” Expanding the road network is seen as essential for boosting socio-economic growth and providing a solid foundation for the country’s future.
