Mahama pledges to start a feasibility study for a new city outside Accra to ease congestion
Former President John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has pledged to kickstart a feasibility study for the establishment of a new city outside Accra to address the worsening congestion in the capital.
The objective of this initiative is to establish a new economic hub and generate numerous employment opportunities during both the construction phase and post-completion.
Although Accra will retain its status as the capital, Mahama advocates for the relocation of select government ministries, departments, agencies, and financial institutions to the proposed new city.
Mahama envisions this future city spanning across three regions—Greater Accra, Eastern, and Volta—and being situated in close proximity to the Volta Lake. T
his envisioned metropolis would prioritize sustainability, digitalization, and green spaces, while also featuring attractions for tourism and recreation, industrial zones, and financial services. He imagines it as a bustling 24-hour city.
The former President emphasized that much of the funding for this new city would come from private sector investments and public-private partnerships.
Mahama disclosed these plans during a meeting with the European Union Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, May 28, 2024.
“We will commence a feasibility study with a plan to construct a new city. Accra is grid-locked, and the time has arrived for us to relocate certain parts of the government services from Accra. Accra will remain the capital, but we will transfer a portion of it elsewhere.”
He further noted, “There is already available land on the Accra Plains and the opposite bank of the Volta Lake. Moreover, we are establishing a port terminal in Mpakadan to transport cargo to the northern part of the country.”
“There is abundant land in that area, allowing us to relocate some ministries, agencies, and departments out of the city and alleviate congestion,” he said.
Mahama expressed concerns about Accra’s expanding boundaries and the challenges it poses for sustainable urban management. Hence, he proposed initiating the planning, design, and feasibility stages of the project.
He estimated that this endeavor might span approximately 20 years, emphasizing the importance of initiating the process for future generations to continue.
During the Building Ghana Tour, the former President also reassured citizens of plans to alleviate congestion in the industrial district of Tema, towards the western corridor, to foster industrialization and job creation.
