A 140-tonne concrete beam has been launched at the Tetteh Quarshie Interchange as part of the Accra – Tema Motorway extension project.
Minister of Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Abgodza, made the announcement following the suspension of a planned road diversion at the Interchange after severe traffic congestion left commuters stranded for hours.
Ing. Ben Sackey, the Project Manager, had explained to journalists on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, that the decision was taken after the diversion, which was intended to facilitate bridge expansion works, caused far more disruption than anticipated.
“Basically, our work programme has reached Tetteh Quarshie, where we are to expand the bridge,” Ing. Sackey said in an interview. “The plan is to extend the existing lanes, bringing the bridge to ten lanes by adding three more lanes on each side. To do this, we need to control traffic to allow the launching of the T-beams on the piers already constructed.”
He added that the traffic management plan was initially simulated to ensure smooth operations. “Yesterday, however, we realised that the real-world impact of the traffic was far worse than what we had expected. Continuing with the plan as it was would have caused unacceptable congestion for the next four months,” he said.
Acknowledging that the suspension may affect the project timeline, Ing. Sackey emphasised the contractors’ responsibility to the public. “As contractors, we are accountable to the public. We must consider their challenges and factor them into our programme. While this decision may delay our schedule, we are committed to revising the scheme to find a better solution that is conducive both the contractor and the public.”
He revealed there was going to be a meeting to deliberate on alternative traffic management options. “We aim to implement a plan that will not impose the level of traffic congestion witnessed yesterday,” he concluded.
The Accra – Tema Motorway Expansion project is a major infrastructure initiative aimed at easing traffic flow between Accra and Tema, but recent developments at Tetteh Quarshie highlight the challenges of balancing construction progress with commuter convenience.
In a post on his official X handle on Sunday, March 15, 2026, the sector Minister, Kwame Agbodza, announced three of the beams were completed on Saturday, March 14, with the remaining three expected to be launched today.
“Earlier this morning, I joined a team of engineers launching the 140 tonne Concrete Beams at the Tetteh Quashie Interchange as part of the Accra-Tema Motorway project. I am happy to report that, the launched 3 beams yesterday safely. God willing, they may launch another 3 today,” he posted.
Earlier this morning, I joined a team of engineers launching the 140 tonne Concrete Beams at the Tetteh Quashie Interchange as part of the Accra-Tema Motorway project. I am happy to report that, the launched 3 beams yesterday safely. God willing, they may launch another 3 today. pic.twitter.com/01P5oQH3Cw
— kwame agbodza (@KAgbodza) March 15, 2026
