Critical drainage improvement works within the Kaneshie enclave in Accra will begin on September 7, 2026, with road closures and traffic diversions expected to affect commuters for approximately one year, the Ministry of Works and Housing has announced.
The project, scheduled for completion by October 2027, forms part of government's broader flood mitigation efforts under the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) Project and is expected to significantly address the perennial flooding that has plagued the area for decades.
Addressing the media at the Government Accountability Series at the Jubilee House on Wednesday, the Minister of Works and Housing, Ahmed Ibrahim, acknowledged that the construction works would cause considerable inconvenience to motorists and residents but said the long-term benefits far outweighed the temporary disruptions. He appealed to the commuting public to bear with government as it works to permanently address the flooding situation in Kaneshie and its surrounding areas, and said the project would deliver a modern drainage system to protect lives and property and improve residents' quality of life.
The Project Coordinator for GARID, Dr Kwadwo Ohene Sarfo, gave technical details of the undertaking, explaining that the project involves the construction of a double-cell underground rectangular stormwater drain from Mpamprom Junction to First Light Junction along the Dr Busia Highway. The new drainage system will measure approximately 10 metres wide and 1.5 kilometres long, replacing the existing twin 1.2-metre-diameter pipe system, which has proven inadequate for the area's stormwater management needs. He said the new drain would connect to the recently completed drainage section within the Accra Academy campus and link to the existing drain at Mpamprom Junction, significantly improving stormwater management across the entire enclave.
Beginning Wednesday, August 26, directional signage and warning signs were installed across the affected corridors, while the Motor Traffic and Transport Department and the assemblies will support traffic management on the ground. The project has established dedicated toll-free lines for enquiries, complaints and traffic information on the MTN and Telecel networks, and the public may also send WhatsApp messages or visit the GARID Project website for updates. Pedestrian walkways and footbridges will also be provided throughout the construction period to ensure public safety.
The Minister of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, apologised for the temporary inconvenience and appealed for public cooperation as works progress to reduce flooding and improve sanitation across Accra, calling on all motorists and pedestrians to comply with the new traffic diversions.
Motorists have been advised to consider alternative routes, including the Obetsebi Lamptey Interchange, Oblogo Traffic Light and the Mataheko corridor. Drivers travelling from Korle Bu, Mortuary Road, Graphic Road and Obetsebi Lamptey Circle towards First Light will begin their diversion at Obetsebi Lamptey Circle, proceed onto Ring Road West, continue towards New Times Corporation Roundabout, make a U-turn and turn onto Awudome Road opposite the State Transport Corporation. The diversion continues through Awudome Roundabout, Kaneshie Market and onward to the Kokomlemle Clinic Roundabout before reconnecting with the First Light corridor. Motorists from Graphic Road may alternatively divert near the ICGC Christ Temple onto Oblogo Road, proceed to Flamingo Traffic Light and turn right towards First Light Junction. Those travelling from Kwame Nkrumah Circle and the North Industrial Area towards First Light will begin their diversion at Awudome Cemetery and follow the Awudome Road through the same designated route. For those travelling from the Accra-Circle enclave towards Odorkor and areas beyond, the recommended route is the Circle-Achimota Road, connecting to the Lapaz Road at the Achimota Overhead.
The project will be executed in three phases, with a comprehensive traffic management plan developed in collaboration with the Department of Urban Roads to maintain traffic flow throughout construction. Phase One, beginning September 7, involves the closure of the westbound carriageway from Mpamprom Junction, affecting motorists travelling from Korle Bu, Graphic Road, Obetsebi Lamptey Circle, Kwame Nkrumah Circle and adjoining corridors towards First Light Junction; affected motorists will be diverted through Awudome Cemetery Road, New Times Corporation Road, Awudome Roundabout, Oblogo and Mataheko before reconnecting at First Light Junction. Works around Mpamprom Junction are expected to be completed by the end of November, allowing the junction to reopen to traffic during the first week of December 2026. However, the remaining westbound section between Kaneshie Station and First Light Junction will remain closed until August 2027 to allow underground drainage works to continue. Phase Three will commence in September 2027 when works reach First Light Junction, resulting in the temporary closure of the road linking First Light to the Cocoa Clinic Roundabout until the end of October 2027.
