The Korean Government, through its agency in Ghana, Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), is to assist in the development of a Transport Master Plan for the Greater Accra Region at the cost of $1.5 million.
The Transport Master Plan, which is to serve as a guide to develop a transport system in the Region, would take 18 months to come into existence.
Speaking during the signing of the agreement yesterday, Mr Kwang-geol Cho, Resident Representative, KOICA Ghana, said the Project would set a clear direction for transport in Greater Accra for the next 20 years, bringing all means of transportation in the Region into an integrated urban transport system.
“It will also reduce traffic congestion and logistic cost in the Region through development of policies, strategies and engineering measures,” he added.
He said following the signing, a Project Management Consultant, would be selected to be in charge of the development of the Master Plan.
According to Mr. Kwang-geol, the Project sites would include Accra, Ga South, Ga West, Ga East, Adenta, Ashaiman, Tema, Ledzokuku Krowor, La Dadekotopon, Ga Central, La Nkeantanang, Madina and Kpone Katamamso areas.
He, therefore, requested the beneficiary Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies to give their utmost support and cooperation for the successful implementation of the project.
He cited the Ministry of Transport (MOT) and the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council (GARCC) as the key project implementation partners and also the representatives of the Government of Ghana on the Project.
According to him, as part of the Project, there would be an invitational capacity building programme for Ghanaian officials and engineers in the Republic of Korea as transfer of practical knowledge and skills was required for the successful implementation of the project.
“Upon selection by the MOT and the GARCC, a total of eight participants including three engineers will be invited to Korea for the training for a period of one month, whereas others will also have a one week capacity enhancement training here in Ghana,” he explained.
He said the Project was also an indication of the growing relationship between Ghana and the Republic of Korea, pledging KOICA’s full commitment towards the successful implementation of its success.
Mrs. Dzifa Attivor, Minister for Transport, who signed on behalf of Government, noted that although much was being done about the transport situation in Accra, there was still the issue of traffic and congestion in some parts.
“With the development of the Master Plan, we will know the areas which would be suitable for the construction of rail lines, and dual carriage roads among others,” she said.
She appealed to KOICA to assist the Ghana Maritime University with training vessels and also some logistics for use on the Volta Lake.
Source: GNA
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