Mass demolition commences on Takoradi-Cape Coast highway to clear way for major reconstruction

A large-scale demolition of temporary structures along the Takoradi-Cape Coast Highway began this week as part of the government’s ‘Big Push’ infrastructure initiative to redevelop the 73-kilometre corridor.

The exercise, which started on Monday, targets makeshift buildings and kiosks on road shoulders from the PTC Interchange through Tanokrom, Effiakuma, Kojokrom, and Inchaban, extending toward Shama and connecting routes.

The redevelopment project aims to stimulate economic growth, improve access to healthcare and education, shorten travel times, enhance road safety, and boost commercial activities along the route.

During a visit to affected sections on Thursday by the Business & Financial Times, heavy machinery was actively pulling down structures to prepare the ground for reconstruction work.

Ishmael Adusei, an engineer with the Effia Kwesimintsim Municipal Assembly (EKMA) supervising the operation, emphasised that contractors would no longer accept delays in removing affected properties.

“Residents and business operators were given ample notice and sufficient time to relocate,” Mr Adusei said. He added that those who had already begun dismantling their structures were allowed until Wednesday to finish, but any remaining properties would be demolished without further extension.

“If you have started evacuating, we will still consider you. If your carpenters are already removing the structure, we will not demolish it; we will move to the next one,” he explained.

The demolition covers structures on both sides of the highway.

The Takoradi-Cape Coast Highway reconstruction was officially launched in October last year when President John Dramani Mahama cut the sod for the project.

Authorities have urged affected individuals to comply promptly to avoid forced removal and ensure the redevelopment proceeds on schedule.