GhArticles.com Every News in Detail
A day after President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo inaugurated the GH¢677 million Flowerpot Interchange in Accra, a young hawker, Sahadatu Seidu, has returned to selling coconuts beneath the newly constructed structure.
Sahadatu, who claimed to have operated in the area before construction began, explained her decision, saying, “I have only returned to my old selling point.”
The Flowerpot Interchange, constructed by China Railway No. 5 Engineering Ghana Limited, features an 802-meter dual-carriageway viaduct and aims to ease traffic congestion while enhancing connectivity between areas such as Cantonments, Burma Camp, East Legon, Spintex, and Tema.
Project Highlights
Key features of the interchange include:
– Ramps and slip roads for smoother travel.
– A ramp from Shiashie onto the viaduct heading towards Airport Hills.
– A ramp from the viaduct onto the motorway towards Tema.
– A slip road connecting the motorway to Boundary Road Roundabout.
– A new road passing through the old tunnel at East Legon with an exit to Cantonments via Giffard Road Interchange.
The Greater Accra Regional Minister had warned against the erection of kiosks and containers near the interchange during the commissioning event, emphasizing the importance of preserving the structure’s functionality and aesthetics.
Sahadatu’s return, however, highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing urban infrastructure development with the economic needs of informal traders. Her presence has sparked conversations about enforcement of regulations and the coexistence of modern projects with informal economic activities.
As authorities work to ensure compliance, the interchange is expected to bring much-needed traffic relief and boost connectivity in Greater Accra. However, city officials face the added responsibility of maintaining the area’s order and long-term impact amidst informal activities.
