The flagbearer of the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has announced plans to establish a new administrative city outside the Greater Accra Region.

This initiative aims to enhance government services and address the severe congestion plaguing the capital.

In a meeting with the European Union Ambassador and the EU Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, 28 May 2024, Mr. Mahama underscored the urgency of this project, citing the detrimental impact of overcrowding in Accra on business growth and government efficiency. 

The new city is envisioned as a strategic, long-term solution to these challenges.

“We will commence a feasibility study with a plan to construct a new city. Accra is gridlocked, and the time has arrived for us to relocate certain parts of the government services from Accra,” Mr. Mahama stated.

He emphasised that while Accra will remain the capital, the plan involves transferring some government functions to the new city. 

“Accra will remain the capital, but we will transfer a portion of it elsewhere. There is already available land on the Accra Plains and opposite the bank of the Volta Lake,” he explained.

Mr. Mahama highlighted the extensive nature of the project, which is expected to take 20 years to complete. 

This timeline reflects a comprehensive and forward-thinking approach to ensure the new city meets its intended goals.

“Moreover, we are establishing a port terminal in Mpakadan to transport cargo to the northern part of the country,” Mr. Mahama added, illustrating the broader infrastructural improvements accompanying the new city initiative.