Mahama unveils vision for new city to tackle congestion in Accra

Former President John Dramani Mahama, the Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has revealed an ambitious plan to address the congestion in Accra by initiating the design and feasibility study for a new city.

Speaking at the European Union Chamber of Commerce, Mahama outlined his vision for a modern urban centre that would serve as a catalyst for growth and create hundreds of thousands of jobs during its construction and beyond.

Relocating Government Services and Easing Congestion

“Accra is facing gridlock, and the time has come to relocate certain government services from the city,” Mahama asserted.

“While Accra will remain the capital, we intend to transfer a portion of it elsewhere. There is available land on the Accra Plains and the opposite bank of the Volta Lake. Additionally, we are establishing a port terminal in Mpakadan to facilitate cargo transportation to the northern part of the country,” he added.

Mahama envisions the new city to span three regions—Greater Accra, Eastern, and Volta—and strategically located near the Volta Lake to leverage abundant water resources.

He emphasized that the proposed city will be a green, digital hub, featuring tourist attractions, amusement parks, industrial zones, and financial services.

Acknowledging the critical role of private sector participation, Mahama disclosed that much of the investment for the new city will come from private-sector collaboration and public-private partnerships.

According to him, Financing this ambitious project will require innovative approaches and collaboration between government and private entities.

Managing Accra’s Sustainability

Mahama stressed the urgency of this initiative to ensure Accra’s long-term sustainability.

Accra, he said, has reached its limits, and without careful planning, managing it as a sustainable city will become increasingly challenging.”

“We are initiating the planning, design, and feasibility process. While this project may take up to 20 years to complete, we must take the first steps. Future generations can build upon our foundation,” he said.

Mahama also assured citizens of his commitment to easing congestion in the industrial enclave of Tema during his Building Ghana Tour.

He averred that there is abundant land in the area that allows for the relocation of ministries, agencies and departments out of Accra thus alleviating congestion.

“We will conduct a feasibility study and develop a plan for constructing a new city,” he reiterated.