As part of efforts to address flooding and build flood-resilient infrastructure in the capital, the Government has announced the temporary closure of the westbound section of the Busia Highway between Kaneshie Market Station and First Light junction from 7 September 2026.
The closure will remain until the end of November 2026 to allow critical storm drainage works under the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) Project.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Wednesday, 26 August 2026, the GARID Project Coordinator, Dr Kojo Ohene Safo, outlined a comprehensive traffic management plan to minimise disruption to motorists, commuters, transport operators, and local businesses around the Kaneshie enclave.
Phase One Traffic Diversions
Dr Safo explained that the drainage construction will be done in three phases to maintain traffic flow during the project.
Phase One will directly impact westbound motorists travelling toward First Light Junction from Korle Bu, Graphic Road, Obetsebi Lamptey Circle, Kwame Nkrumah Circle, and adjoining corridors.
“Affected motorists will be diverted through Awudome Cemetery Road, New Times Road, Awudome Roundabout, Oblogo, and Mataheko before reconnecting at First Light Junction,” Dr Safo disclosed. He added the Obetsebi Interchange–Oblogo Traffic Light–Mataheko corridor is also an alternative route.
To facilitate smooth transit, directional and advance warning signs are being installed along all affected corridors starting today. Personnel from the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service, in collaboration with local District Assemblies, will be stationed at key junctions to manage traffic.
24-Hour Construction and Project Scope
Acknowledging the inconvenience the restrictions may cause, Dr Safo said the traffic plan was developed closely with the Department of Urban Roads and that the scale of the works makes the temporary closure unavoidable.
“Civil and engineering works will be executed around the clock to meet the November deadline for completing the first phase,” he assured. The Pamprom – First Light stretch is expected to fully reopen during the first week of December 2026.
The drainage intervention involves constructing a new channel about 10 metres wide and 1.5 kilometres long. It will replace the existing inadequate twin 1.2-metre diameter pipe system in Kaneshie.
Once complete, the system will link the recently completed drainage section inside the Accra Academy campus to the existing main drain at Pamprom Junction, dramatically improving stormwater management in the enclave.
Outlook for Phase Two
Underground drainage construction will continue through August 2027 on the remaining westbound sections between Kaneshie Station and First Light Junction.
Phase Two will start in September 2027, requiring a temporary closure of the road linking First Light to Cocoa Clinic Roundabout until the end of October 2027. The government will issue detailed traffic advisories for later phases.
Government urges all road users to plan their journeys, observe traffic signs, and follow directions from traffic officers on duty.
To maintain continuous engagement and address public inquiries or traffic concerns, the GARID Project has established dedicated toll-free lines on the MTN network: 0800 800 900and 0800 500 600.
