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The Abidjan-Lagos Corridor is a flagship project of the Programme by Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA). It is part of the Dakar-Lagos Corridor and the Trans African Highway Network within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) region. 

Rita Ohene Sarfoh, Project Director for the Ghana section, confirmed that construction will begin on the six-lane dual carriageway in 2024. A total of 1,028 kilometres of roads will be constructed connecting the major cities of Lagos, Accra, Cotonou, Lome, and Abidjan. It covers a significant part of West Africa and several seaports. It also serves neighbouring landlocked Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.

Ghana will see the construction of 576 kilometres of roads, including a 2.7-kilometre underground tunnel from Ga East in the Greater Accra Region to Berekusu in the Eastern Region.

“That tells you that we own more than half of the entire corridor, and so, we are very key to this project. Wherever we go, they want to know how Ghana is going and how Ghana will be able because, if we don’t do our section well, then we are not going to ensure that this project succeeds,” said Sarfoh.

A sensitization workshop was held earlier at Aburi in the Eastern Region. A primary aim was to create awareness among the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs), chiefs, and technical and political staff on the project’s purpose and role in regional development and seek guidance from them on project preparation and implementation. 

On Friday, 18th October 2019, I represented President @NAkufoAddo at the 13th Ministerial steering committee Meeting for the Abidjan to Lagos corridor highway development project in Accra. pic.twitter.com/HhOZMEfQo8

— Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia (@MBawumia) October 18, 2019

“The Abidjan-Lagos corridor was selected by the presidents of the five countries concerned (Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Nigeria) as one of the most important projects in West Africa in terms of regional integration,” according to the African Development Bank Group.

On completion, the project will contribute significantly to:

1. Strengthening the subregion and continent’s aspirations to integrate, facilitate intra-regional trade and boost economic development. 
2. Stimulating a regional value chain and a network of economic platforms for the corridor’s development.

Sarfoh also said that feasibility studies had been completed and corridors earmarked for the smooth start of the project. The corridor is divided into three lots:

1. Lot One – Construction of 295 kilometres from Abidjan to Bassam-Noe in Côte d'Ivoire through to Elubo-Apimanim Junction, in Ghana.
2. Lot Two – The Ghana section includes the construction of 466 kilometres from Apimanim to Cape Coast through to Accra, Sogakope, and Akanu.
3. Lot Three – Construction of 320 kilometres in Togo, Benin, and Nigeria.

Dr. Abass Awolu, Chief Director of Ghana’s Ministry of Roads and Highways, spoke of the importance of the project to the government and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission for its social and economic benefits.

“The positive impacts of this development will reflect on your communities; hence, we kindly request your support and cooperation to accelerate the implementation of this important project,” he said.

Top Photo: Excavator on construction site - Stock Image (© Photochecker | Dreamstime)