For motorists travelling from Tema towards Dawhenya, the 17-kilometre stretch of the Tema-Aflao Highway remains an important commuting route as construction continues on a project aimed at improving traffic flow and road safety.
Commercial drivers, private motorists and commuters say ongoing construction, uneven road surfaces, dust, traffic diversions and congestion have affected movement along sections of the route, including the TT Brothers Traffic Intersection, Kpone Barrier and the Central University campus at Miotso, reflecting the challenges of carrying out major road construction while maintaining traffic on an existing highway.
Construction of Phase One of the Tema-Aflao Road Project began in October 2020. The 17-kilometre section stretches from the Tema Roundabout to the Central University campus at Miotso and is financed through a bilateral loan from the United Kingdom. It is intended to expand the existing dual carriageway into a six-lane highway, with three lanes in each direction. The project was initially scheduled for completion within 18 months but was suspended in December 2022 following the previous government's temporary suspension of debt-service payments under the Debt Exchange Programme. Works resumed in April 2025 following financial assurances from the current administration.
A recent visit to the highway showed construction activities at various stages. While some sections have undergone substantial work, others still require significant construction, with uneven surfaces in some areas and shoulder lanes prepared for further work left unfinished.
Eric Quarshie, a commercial driver on the Tema-Prampram route, said the road's condition had increased vehicle maintenance concerns. "Vehicle owners are now reluctant to give us their cars because the road causes frequent damage," he said. Another commercial driver, who identified himself only as Tetteh, said travelling along the stretch in the evenings could be challenging because of dust, limited visibility and traffic.
The Minister of Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, inspected the project on August 19, 2026, and called for increased activity on the 17-kilometre stretch being undertaken by First Sky Limited and BHM Construction Limited. "The works, honestly, we think that it's slow," he said. "Right from the beginning, I have had the impression that the contractors do not intend to do the work, because I see very little activity on site. It is only 17 kilometres, yet the pace of work remains painfully slow."
Representatives of the contractors, however, said drainage and concrete works were ongoing, including the construction of box culverts and cross-drainage structures. They said 10 sections of drainage works had been completed within their assigned portion, with work continuing on another major culvert, while preparatory works were also under way on other sections to facilitate the connection of the road towards the Central University area.
Agbodza said he expects construction activity to increase as funding and coordination matters are addressed. The contractors have indicated that the Tema-Aflao section should record significant improvement by December, although the entire project is not expected to be completed by then. The expected improvement is mainly in traffic flow, as additional completed sections are expected to open up and provide motorists with more alternatives, reducing congestion.
The Tema-Aflao Highway remains an important transport corridor linking Tema with Kpone, Dawhenya and communities further east. For commuters, commercial drivers and businesses along the corridor, progress on the project will be closely watched, with motorists hopeful that completed sections will gradually make journeys safer, smoother and more predictable.
