Confidence rebounds in US$1.2bn Marine Drive Project

By Wisdom JONNY-NUEKPE

Government has expressed commitment in revitalising the Accra Marine Drive Investment Project – an initiative designed to establish an iconic skyline and transform the capital into a world-class tourism enclave.

The Marine Drive is a 241-acre redevelopment scheme of Accra’s waterfront initiated by the Ministry of Tourism – the origins of which are traced back to the country’s independence over 60 years ago.

Valued at US$1.2billion, the project when completed will provide essential infrastructure to support the country’s developing cultural and creative industries.

Addressing parliament in his first State of the Nation Address on March 1, 2025 upon resuming office on January 7, 2025, President John Dramani Mahama said: “We are also committed to revitalising the Accra Marine Drive Project, a significant urban redevelopment initiative designed to transform approximately 241 acres of Accra’s coastline into a vibrant tourism and economic hub.”

The president explained that although Cabinet approved this vital project in 2016, progress on work had stalled under the previous administration.

“We will reassess the work completed and take decisive action to bring this important project back on track,” he added.

In 2017, Former President Akufo-Addo cut sod to commence the Project in a Public-Private Partnership initiative.

However, actual construction – which is designed to revolutionise Ghana’s tourism industry, creating some 150,000 jobs to drive economic growth – is yet to start.

The project features a blend of cultural and modern elements, with a centerpiece theme park dedicated to Ghana’s founding fathers, the Big Six. The development will also include hotels, cultural villages, shopping malls and recreational centres.

The project aligns with government’s overarching strategy to transform the tourism, arts and culture sectors.

Stakeholders expressed optimism about the project’s ability to redefine Accra’s coastline, create vast economic opportunities and elevate Ghana’s global tourism appeal.

Indeed, tourism sector stakeholders have said the commitment expressed by President Mahama underscores a renewed hope of the project’s timely commencement.

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