The Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) Project will close sections of the Dr Busia Highway in Kaneshie, Accra, starting September 7, 2026. This closure facilitates the construction of a major underground stormwater drain, significantly impacting traffic flow for over a year.
The project involves building a 1.5-kilometre double-cell rectangular drain, approximately 10 metres wide. This new drain replaces two existing 1.2-metre diameter pipes. The construction aims to improve flood resilience in the Kaneshie enclave, connecting to a recently completed drainage section within the Accra Academy campus.
This initiative forms part of broader efforts to upgrade critical infrastructure in Ghana's capital, addressing long-standing drainage challenges. Accra frequently experiences flooding during heavy rains, causing significant economic disruption and property damage. The GARID Project seeks to mitigate these issues, aligning with national development goals for urban resilience and sustainable growth. Previous government investments in drainage systems have aimed to reduce flood risks in vulnerable areas.
GARID Project Coordinator Dr Kwadwo Ohene Sarfo announced these arrangements during the Government Accountability Series on August 26. He stated that temporary road closures are unavoidable due to the project's scale and location. Dr Ohene Sarfo confirmed that the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources, alongside the Department of Urban Roads, developed a comprehensive traffic management plan.
The first phase of closures begins on September 7, 2026, affecting the westbound carriageway from Pamprom Junction until November 2026. Motorists travelling from Korle Bu, Graphic Road, Obetsebi-Lamptey Circle, and Kwame Nkrumah Circle towards Pamprom Junction will be redirected. Designated alternative routes include Awudome Cemetery Road, The New Times Corporation–Awudome Roundabout route, and the Okponglo–Mataheko route. These diversions will help motorists reconnect to First Light Junction.
Following the Pamprom Junction reopening in early December 2026, the westbound section from Kaneshie Station to First Light Junction will remain closed until August 2027. This extended closure is essential for the safe continuation of the underground drainage system construction. By August 2027, the drainage work should reach the area immediately before the First Light intersection.
Further disruptions are planned for September 2027, when the road linking First Light intersection to Cocoa Clinic Roundabout will close until October 2027. This will affect traffic from Russia community, Flamingo traffic lights, Kasoa, and Odorkor. The public will receive advance notice for these subsequent phases through established communication channels.
Throughout the construction, an additional interchange route leading to the traffic light opposite ICGC Christ Temple, proceeding towards Mataheko, and reconnecting to First Light Junction, will be available. Directional and warning signs will guide motorists, and personnel from the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) and metropolitan assemblies will manage traffic. Dr Ohene Sarfo urged motorists without essential business in the construction zone to avoid the affected corridors and use the designated alternative routes.
The long-term closures will inevitably impact local businesses and daily commutes, potentially increasing travel times and fuel costs for residents and commercial operators. Businesses in the Kaneshie area may experience reduced customer traffic, affecting their revenues. The government's commitment to completing this vital infrastructure project, despite the short-term inconvenience, signals a focus on long-term urban development and flood mitigation strategies. Monitoring the project's adherence to its timeline and the effectiveness of traffic management will be crucial for stakeholders and the public.