Major Rehabilitation Works Commence on 8.6km Pantang–Abokobi Road as Contractor Intensifies Drainage Upgrades and Targets Early Completion Within 24-Month Timeline

• Pantang–Abokobi Residents Question 24-Month Timeline as Road Project Promises Early Completion

• Contractor Races Against Time on Pantang–Abokobi Road While Motorists Brace for Long Disruptions

• Years of Neglect Exposed as Major Drainage Defects Surface on Pantang–Abokobi Stretch During Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation works have officially commenced on the Pantang–Abokobi road, bringing renewed hope to commuters and residents who have endured years of deterioration along the busy stretch. The 8.6-kilometre road, which links the Pantang Junction traffic lights to the Abokobi Boie Junction, serves as a critical corridor within the Greater Accra Region. It connects several growing residential communities, commercial hubs, and key public institutions, including the Pantang Hospital. For many road users, the condition of the stretch has long been a source of frustration due to potholes, poor drainage, and sections that become nearly impassable during heavy rains.

Awerco Construction, the company handling the project, has already mobilized to site and begun preliminary works. The initial phase has focused on addressing one of the most problematic components of the road infrastructure — a severely deteriorated culvert that has contributed to flooding and structural weakening of the pavement. Engineers on site indicate that the culvert replacement is a priority because proper drainage is fundamental to the longevity of any road project. Without resolving underlying water flow issues, resurfacing alone would offer only temporary relief.

To ensure traffic continues to flow while construction progresses, temporary diversions have been created along portions of the stretch. Ground stabilization works on these diversions are nearing completion, making them safer and more stable for vehicles, including heavy-duty trucks and commercial transport operators who rely on the route daily. Traffic management personnel have been deployed to guide motorists, especially during peak hours, as machinery and workers operate close to active lanes.

The rehabilitation project goes beyond surface patching. The contractor plans to remove the old and undersized culvert and replace it with a larger, more robust structure capable of handling increased stormwater volumes. In addition, smaller culverts along the corridor will be upgraded from 600 millimetres to 900 millimetres in diameter to improve hydraulic capacity. New drainage systems will also be constructed in areas previously lacking proper runoff channels. These measures are expected to significantly reduce the perennial flooding that has plagued sections of the road and nearby properties during the rainy season.

Following the drainage upgrades, crews will proceed with scarifying the existing asphalt surface. This involves removing the top layer of the deteriorated pavement to prepare a stronger foundation for reconstruction. The road base will then be reshaped, filled where necessary, and compacted to meet engineering standards before a new asphalt layer is applied. According to project supervisors, some of these processes will be carried out simultaneously to accelerate progress and minimize prolonged inconvenience to commuters.

Although the contract duration is set at 24 months, the contractor has publicly indicated an intention to complete the works ahead of schedule if conditions remain favourable. One of the key strategies to achieve this is intensified night work, particularly because the Pantang–Abokobi stretch has no viable alternative route. By carrying out heavy construction activities during off-peak hours, the project team hopes to reduce congestion and maintain smoother daytime traffic flow.

Residents and road users have expressed cautious optimism about the development. Many believe the project will not only improve transportation but also stimulate economic activity in the area. The corridor supports small businesses, public transport operations, and property development, all of which stand to benefit from improved accessibility. Health workers and patients accessing Pantang Hospital are also expected to experience safer and more reliable travel conditions once the road is fully rehabilitated.

Authorities have urged motorists to exercise patience and adhere to traffic directions as construction continues. They emphasize that temporary inconvenience is necessary to achieve a long-term solution that will enhance safety, reduce travel time, and improve overall infrastructure resilience in the area. If executed according to plan, the Pantang–Abokobi road rehabilitation will represent a significant upgrade to one of the key feeder routes within the Greater Accra Region, addressing longstanding structural challenges while positioning the corridor for future growth and increased traffic demand.