GARID announces construction of 1.5km double-cell storm drain in Kaneshie

The Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) Project has announced the commencement of construction of a 1.5-kilometre double-cell underground stormwater drain in the Kaneshie enclave of Accra.

The project, which is scheduled to begin on September 7, 2026, will run from Pamproom Junction to First Light Junction along the Dr. Buzia Highway.

GARID Project Coordinator, Dr Kwadwo Ohene Sarfo, said the new drainage infrastructure would measure approximately 10 metres wide and replace the existing two 1.2-metre-diameter pipes currently serving the area.

Speaking at the Government Accountability Series, Dr Sarfo explained that the new drain would connect to the recently completed drainage section within the Accra Academy campus at one end and the existing drain at Pamproom Junction at the other.

He said the scale of the project would require temporary road closures and traffic diversions along portions of the Dr. Buzia Highway.

According to him, the traffic management arrangements have been developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources and the Department of Urban Roads to ensure that traffic continues to move safely and efficiently during construction.

The works will be implemented in phases, with the first phase beginning on September 7 with the closure of the westbound carriageway of the Dr. Buzia Highway from Pamproom Junction.

The first phase is expected to continue until the end of November 2026 and will affect motorists travelling from the Korle Bu Motorway, Graphic Road, Obetsebi-Lamptey Circle and Kwame Nkrumah Circle towards Pamproom Junction, First Light Junction and beyond.

Affected motorists will be directed to designated alternative routes, including the Awudome Cemetery Road, the New Times Corporation–Awudome Roundabout route and the Oblogo–Mataheko route to access First Light Junction.

Dr Sarfo said Pamproom Junction was expected to reopen to traffic in the first week of December 2026 after completion of the initial phase.

However, he noted that the remaining westbound section from Kaneshie Station to First Light Junction would remain closed until August 2027 to facilitate continued construction of the underground drainage system.

He said further traffic restrictions would subsequently be introduced around First Light Junction as the drainage works progress.

The GARID Project has also announced the installation of road signage to guide motorists and provide advance warnings about closures and diversion routes.

Dr Sarfo urged road users to avoid the affected corridors where possible and use the designated alternative routes to reduce congestion and inconvenience.

He also appealed to residents, commuters, transport operators and businesses within the affected areas to plan their movements ahead of the commencement of the works.

The project has established dedicated toll-free lines for traffic-related information, inquiries and complaints.

Members of the public can call 0800 800 900 or 0800 500 600 on the MTN network for assistance.

Dr Sarfo said efforts were also underway with Telecel Ghana to activate toll-free access on its network before the road closures begin.

The GARID Project will also engage media houses and other stakeholders to intensify public education on the traffic management arrangements throughout the construction period.