In 2017, Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo cut the sod for the commencement of a project called the Marine Drive Project in Accra.
The Marine Drive Project is an initiative by the Government of Ghana to transform the coastal area of Accra into a world-class tourism and entertainment destination. The project covers a 241-acre site that stretches from the Osu Castle to the Arts Centre, and includes historical and cultural landmarks such as the Independence Square and the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum.
The project aims to transform the city’s skyline and create a world-class tourism enclave that will boost the national economy and the cultural and creative industries. The project is expected to be completed by 2027.
Fast forward in 2024 and the project appears to have stalled. So, what happened and will the project see the light of day?
History of The Project
The project was conceived by Ghana’s first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, in the 1960s, but was stalled for decades due to various challenges. It was revived in 2013 by President John Mahama, and officially launched in 2017 by President Nana Akufo-Addo. The project is estimated to cost about $1.5 billion, and is being implemented through a public-private partnership model.
The project is being designed by Adjaye Associates, a renowned architectural firm led by Sir David Adjaye, a Ghanaian-British architect. The design features three civic anchors that celebrate Ghana’s rich history:
- a new public park honoring the forefathers of Ghanaian independence
- a new national concert hall and convention center next to Nkrumah’s monument, and
- a rejuvenated Osu Castle and grounds.
Benefits
The project aims to create a vibrant and attractive beachfront promenade that will offer a variety of leisure, recreation, cultural, commercial and residential facilities. It will also provide essential infrastructure to support the country’s developing creative industries.
The project is expected to generate about 150,000 direct and indirect jobs, boost tourism growth, enhance the city’s skyline, and contribute to the national economy.
Challenges and Delays
The project is currently in its first phase of construction, which involves site preparation, land reclamation, road works, drainage systems, utility services, and landscaping. The first phase is expected to be completed by 2024. The second phase will involve the construction of the various buildings and facilities on the site.
However, the project faces several challenges that could hamper its progress and impact. Some of these challenges are:
Funding
The project is a Public-Private Partnership project that relies on the contributions of both the government and the private sector. However, according to the Ministry of Tourism, the financial account of the project is empty, which is negatively affecting the implementation of the project.
Planning
The project is located within a ministerial enclave that serves multiple functions, such as hosting the Osu Castle, the Parliament House, the law courts complex, and several government ministries and agencies.
This poses a planning challenge, as the project could disrupt the existing functions and create congestion and security issues in the area.
The Marine Drive Project is a visionary and ambitious initiative that could transform Ghana’s tourism sector and urban development.
However, it also requires careful planning, adequate funding, and robust security measures to overcome its challenges and achieve its objectives.
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