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President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo yesterday performed the twin function of inaugurating the Ghana Bridge Power Project (GBPP) and the newly constructed Flower Pot Interchange at Kpone Katamanso and the Ledzokuku municipalities of the Greater Accra Region respectively.
The first to be inaugurated was the GBPP which represents a significant milestone in the country’s commitment to expanding its power generation capacity through improved fuel efficiency and environmental sustainability.
A portion of the flyover
Developed by Endeavor Energy, a leading United States Independent Power Producer focused on Africa and Andaris Energy Limited, a wholly-owned Ghanaian energy investment company, the GBPP is a 515 Mega Watt power plant estimated at the cost of $1.2billion.
The first phase comprised of a 200MW combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power plant made up of five General Electric (GE) TM 2500 gen8 units, five once through steam generators, one steam turbine unit, an air cooled condenser and associated balance of plant.
The second phase which is scheduled to commence September next year is expected to be completed in 48months.
President Akufo-Addo (middle), being assisted by Herbert Krapa (right) Virgenia Palmer (second from right), US Ambassador to Ghana, Brain Herlihy (extreme left), Chief Executive Off
President Akufo-Addo (left), interacting with Brain Herlihy, Chief Executive Officer, Endeavor Energy
Inaugurating the facility, President Akufo-Addo said it represented the country’s commitment towards adopting cutting-edge technology and innovative energy solutions to meet its growing electricity demands.
“Today, we celebrate a transformative step forward in our journey toward energy independence. Reliable power is the backbone of development, and this facility is proof that Ghana is ready to overcome the challenges of the past and embrace a brighter future,” he said.
President Akufo-Addo (third from left), admiring the plaque with Francis Asenso Boakye (second from right), Minister of Roads and Highways and Nii Afotey Agbo (right), Chief of Katamanso
President Akufo-Addo congratulating Mr Francis Asenso Boakye (left), Minister of Roads and Highways at the inauguration of the Flowerpot Flyover on the Spintex-East Legon stretch in Accra
Recalling the challenging periods of “dumsor” (frequent power outages) under the previous administration, which disrupted lives and businesses across the country, he said GBPP would provide stable electricity while reducing the strain on the national grid.
“This plant is more than a source of power; it is a beacon of hope and a testament to what we can achieve through strategic partnerships and a clear vision,” he emphasised.
A portions of the Flowerpot Flyover
Front view of the Early Power Plant at Kpone near Tema.
President Akufo-Addo highlighted the plant’s potential to drive industrial growth by supplying reliable power to factories, hospitals, schools, and households.
He commended Endeavour Energy and its partners for their unwavering dedication to the project and acknowledged the contributions of Ghanaian engineers and workers who played a crucial role in bringing the facility to life.
The General Manager of Early Power Limited, Mr Reggie France, said government must continue to honour its payment obligations to Independent Power Producers to enable them deliver on their mandate.
He said the inauguration of the 200MW of the GBPP demonstrated the ability for government and the private sector to work in a collaborative efforts.
In a related development the Flower Pot Interchange on the Spintex Road has been officially opened to traffic.
The Flower Pot Interchange is a two-tier structure featuring a North-South flyover connecting the Burma Camp Bypass to Boundary Road and redesigned roundabouts to optimise traffic flow.
The opening of the facility would ease the congestion that has become a regular feature in the area.
“This is not just an interchange; it is a symbol of our commitment to ensuring that every Ghanaian experiences the tangible benefits of governance. Roads are pathways to opportunity and prosperity, and today, we deliver on our promise to transform Ghana’s infrastructure landscape,” President Akufo-Addo said.
On his part, the Minister of Road and Highways, Mr Francis Asenso-Boakye, said beyond enhancing mobility, the facility had strategically been designed to support local businesses and generate employment opportunities.
“The Flower Pot Interchange will enable seamless connectivity between key areas such as Osu, La, Cantonments, Tse Addo, East Airport, Ledzokuku, East Legon, Adjiringanor, Adentan, and Madina-thereby stimulating economic activities and providing safer routes for commuters,” he emphasised.
He noted that the project was funded jointly by the Government of Ghana and a facility from AfreXim Bank and was constructed by Messrs China Railway.
Mr Asenso-Boakye said the Flower Pot project formed part of a broader vision aimed at improving the overall road network in the country.
He said despite the challenges faced, government remained determined to achieve the goal of improving the country’s road infrastructure.
“As you may be aware, certain key development partner-funded projects, including the Tema-Aflao Road, have faced unavoidable delays due to measures implemented under the debt exchange programme,” he emphasised.
Early on, President Akufo-Addo paid a working visit to the Ghana Cylinder Manufacturing Company to assess progress of work there.
The GCMC became a subsidiary of the Ghana Gas Company following its acquisition by the latter.
President Akufo-Addo expressed his satisfaction with the levels of transformation that had taken place at the GCML following its acquisition.
BY CLIFF EKUFUL
