Officials from the Ghana Highway Authority (GHA), a subsidiary of the Ministry of Roads and Highways, has commenced the demolition of abandoned tollbooths on the Tema Motorway.
The operation aimed at enhancing road safety and mitigating traffic congestion has garnered considerable attention and involves the utilization of excavators and trucks, under the vigilant supervision of GHA officials.
The decision to remove these dilapidated tollbooths was primarily prompted by their interference with the smooth flow of traffic along this vital transport artery. Motorists and commuters along the Tema Motorway have long been grappling with the bottleneck caused by these disused structures, leading to increased travel times and safety concerns.
According to reports, this ambitious removal project has been strategically divided into two phases. Phase 1 is will focus on the installation of solar street lights along the motorway, a move aimed at bolstering safety for night-time travelers. This illumination initiative is seen as a critical step in preventing accidents and ensuring the well-being of road users.
Phase 2 of the project is dedicated to the complete removal of tollbooths located at both ends of the Tema Motorway. This phase, expected to be a complex undertaking, is anticipated to significantly alleviate traffic congestion and streamline the flow of vehicles.
While this endeavour is a substantial investment in the region’s infrastructure, it comes at a cost estimated to exceed GHC1 million. Nonetheless, the potential long-term benefits in terms of road safety and traffic efficiency are expected to justify this expenditure.
The urgency to undertake this operation was further emphasized by a recent tragic accident that occurred at one of the tollbooths on the Accra-Tema motorway, claiming the life of an individual.
This unfortunate incident prompted the Ministry of Roads and Highways to swiftly issue a directive in November 2021, discontinuing the collection of tolls on all public roads and bridges across the country. This policy shift subsequently led to the abandonment of numerous toll booths on the Tema Motorway.
