Achimota Transport Terminal Opened

The Achimota Transport Terminal has officially been opened. The GH�1.2 million project, which has a parking space for 800 vehicles, was started by the previous New Patriotic Party administration about five years ago. It has a police post, clinic, four 20-unit toilet facilities and 10 canteen rooms. The facility also has an electronic destination boards, waiting sheds for commuters, offices for local drivers and close circuit television cameras to monitor illegal activities. The establishment of the terminal forms part of government� efforts to demonstrate true leadership and commitment to Ghanaians. It would also ensure smooth driving on the Achimota high way. With the opening of the terminal, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) can easily decongest the area between the Apenkwa and Achimota Interchanges. Delivering a speech during the inauguration, the Mayor of Accra, Alfred O. Vanderpuije pointed out that the Nsawam road is a major link that connects Accra to Kumasi, Tamale and other neighbouring countries such as Burkina Faso and Mali. He noted that the section of the road between Apenkwa and Achimota was the most congested part of the Accra road network due to the number of transport stations along it. �All these stations would be relocated to this new terminal. �The charcoal trucks along the road would be relocated to a place cleared specifically for this purpose, which is outside the terminal,� he said.M r. Vanderpuije stressed that AMA would soon embark on a decongestion exercise to remove unauthorised structures within stations to bring them up to appreciable standards. �Though there had been other transport terminals in Accra, which includes Agbobloshie and Tema, the facilities had not lived up to expectation nor served the intended purpose,� he stressed. The AMA boss indicated that the Assembly would therefore ensure that the best professional practices are observed at the terminal to justify investments in other terminals in the city. He said the route for piloting the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) in Accra would start from Kasoa through the Mallam Junction, First Light in Kaneshie and the Graphic Road to the Central Business District (CBD) in Accra. Prof. Kofi Awoonor, the Chairman of Council of State, who read a speech on behalf of President John Evans Atta Mills, noted that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government would provide good roads across the country. �Government has also commenced the rehabilitation of all streets lights in the country, particularly those along the highways to make driving easy and safe for drivers.