Minister orders traffic measures as Pamprom Junction to First Light Road set for closure

Works and Housing Minister Ahmed Ibrahim has directed the implementation of comprehensive traffic management measures ahead of the temporary closure of a critical section of the Dr Busia Highway.

The affected stretch, spanning from Pamprom Junction to First Light Junction, will be closed to traffic from Monday, September 7, 2026, to facilitate major drainage improvement works under the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) Project .

During an inspection of preparations at Pamprom Junction and other sections of the project corridor on Thursday, Mr Ibrahim demanded clearly marked diversion routes, adequate directional signage, proper barricades, and the deployment of traffic management personnel at critical intersections .

“The safety and convenience of the motoring public must remain a top priority throughout this exercise. We expect the contractor to put in place a robust Traffic Management Plan that will keep traffic moving while these critical drainage works are carried out,” the Minister stated .

The closure comes as part of a broader flood mitigation strategy under the GARID Project, which aims to improve stormwater drainage infrastructure and enhance flood resilience within the Odaw Basin in the Greater Accra Region . The project, which has been accelerated following the devastating floods of June 29, 2026, will replace the existing twin 1.2-metre diameter pipes with a double-cell underground rectangular drain measuring approximately 10 metres wide and stretching 1.5 kilometres .

Alternative Routes and Public Education

Mr Ibrahim directed the contractor to intensify public education on the road closure and approved diversion routes through television, radio, online platforms, and community engagements .

“No one should wake up on Monday and be surprised by the road closure. We must intensify public education through television, radio, online platforms and community engagement so that every commuter knows the alternative routes and can plan their journey in advance,” he emphasised .

Motorists travelling from Korle Bu-Mortuary Road, Graphic Road, Obetsebi Lamptey Circle, and Kwame Nkrumah Circle towards Pamprom Junction and First Light Junction will be diverted through Awudome Cemetery Road, the New Times Corporation-Awudome Roundabout route, and the Oblogo-Mataheko route before reconnecting at First Light Junction . An additional alternative route will run through the Obetsebi Interchange, Oblogo Traffic Light, and the Mataheko corridor .

Parking Clearance and Project Timeline

The Ablekuma Central Municipal Assembly and the Accra Metropolitan Assembly have been directed to clear all on-street parking along designated diversion routes by the close of business on Saturday to improve traffic flow and allow alternative routes to accommodate increased vehicular movement during the construction period .

The first phase of the drainage works is expected to be completed by the end of November 2026, with Pamprom Junction scheduled to reopen to traffic in the first week of December 2026 . The remaining section from Kaneshie Station to First Light Junction is scheduled for completion by October 2027 .

The Ministry is working closely with the Ghana Police Service, Department of Urban Roads, Ghana Highway Authority, and affected metropolitan and municipal assemblies to ensure the effective implementation of the Traffic Management Plan .

Motorists have been advised to plan their journeys ahead of the closure, follow approved diversion routes, and obey traffic signs and directions from traffic officers .