Accra Urban Transport Project (Autp), Phase 1 - Pokuase Interchange

.
MINISTRY OF ROADS AND HIGHWAYS

DEPARTMENT OF URBAN ROADS
ACCRA URBAN TRANSPORT PROJECT (AUTP),

PHASE 1 POKUASE INTERCHANGE
D R A FT F IN A L R E P O R T
V O L 3 : E N V I R O NM E N T A L SO C I A L I M P A C T
AS S E S S ME N T
(ESI A)
ASSOCIATED CONSULTANTS LTD.
SEPTEMBER 33 Royalt Castle Road Kokomlemle,
2015
P. O. Box M259,
Accra, Ghana
ACCRA URBAN TRANSPORT PROJECT (AUTP), PHASE 1
ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIAL IMPACT
ASSESSMENT (ESIA)
POKUASE INTERCHANGE
ACCRA URBAN TRANSPORT PROJECT (AUTP) PHASE 1- POKUASE

INTERCHANGE.
Environmental and Social Impact Assessment
Document No. | ACL-OP-DCF-ES-002
September, 2015
Doc Description By Review Approved Submission

No. Date
V1 ESIA Henrietta Whyte Naki Tetteh Naki Tetteh
Signature H.E.W N.T N.T
Date: September 2015
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File Name Accra Urban Transport Road Phase 1 - Environmental and

Social Impact Statement
Document 1
Revision 2
Revision description Final client approval and issued to AfdB
Prepared by Henrietta Whyte/ Jane Naki Tetteh- Anowie
Checked by Jane Naki Tetteh- Anowie
Issue date September 2015
Asscociated Consultants
33 Royalt Castle Road
Kokomlemle
P.O. Box M 259 Accra-Ghana
Tel: +233302237528
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACRONYMS ............................................................................................................................................... ix
LIST OF TABLES ........................................................................................................................................ x
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ........................................................................................................................ xii
1.0 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................ 1
1.1 Background ................................................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Project Objectives ......................................................................................................................... 1
1.3 ESIA Study Objectives ................................................................................................................. 2
1.4 ESIA Study Scope......................................................................................................................... 2
1.5 ESIA Methodology ....................................................................................................................... 2
1.5.1 Review of Relevant Literature .............................................................................................. 3
1.5.2 Field Work ............................................................................................................................ 3
1.6 Environmental and Social Impact Statement ................................................................................ 3
2.0 ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK ..................................... 4
2.1 Ghana Government Environmental Policy ................................................................................... 4
2.2 Legal and Institutional Framework ............................................................................................... 4
2.3 Emission Limit Values .................................................................................................................. 7
2.3.1 Ambient Air Quality ............................................................................................................. 7
2.3.2 Noise ..................................................................................................................................... 7
2.3.3 Water Quality ........................................................................................................................ 8
2.4 Road Policy and Administrative Framework ................................................................................ 9
2.5 Environmental Assessment Regulations and Procedures ............................................................. 9
2.6 Institutional Framework ................................................................................................................ 9
2.6.1 Institutional and Implementation Arrangements ................................................................. 10
3.0 DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT ....................................................................................................... 12
3.1 Project Location and Description ................................................................................................ 12
3.2 Project Components .................................................................................................................... 12
3.2.1 Design Standard .................................................................................................................. 12
3.2.2 Project Works ...................................................................................................................... 13
3.2.3 Horizontal and Vertical Alignments ................................................................................... 13
3.2.4 Pedestrian Facilities ............................................................................................................ 13
3.2.5 Traffic Control Devices ...................................................................................................... 13
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3.2.6 Construction Materials ........................................................................................................ 13

3.2.7 Construction Water ............................................................................................................. 15
3.2.8 Road Surface Materials ....................................................................................................... 16
3.2.9 Project Implementation Schedule ....................................................................................... 16
3.3 Description of Community Development projects ..................................................................... 16
4.0 DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT ENVIRONMENT ........................................................................ 19
4.1 Project Area of Influence ............................................................................................................ 19
4.2 Climate ........................................................................................................................................ 19
4.3 Topography, Geology and Soils.................................................................................................. 21
4.4 Water Resources ......................................................................................................................... 22
4.4.1 Water Resources ................................................................................................................. 22
4.4.2 Water Quality ...................................................................................................................... 22
4.5 Environmental Monitoring Methodology ................................................................................... 23
4.5.1 Air Quality .......................................................................................................................... 23
4.5.2 Noise ................................................................................................................................... 24
4.6 Population and Settlement .......................................................................................................... 25
4.6.1 Population ........................................................................................................................... 25
4.6.2 Settlement ........................................................................................................................... 25
4.7 Land Use ..................................................................................................................................... 26
4.8 Economic Activities .................................................................................................................... 26
4.9 Guako Sacred Grove ................................................................................................................... 26
4.9.1 General Description ............................................................................................................ 26
4.9.2 Biological Features ............................................................................................................. 27
4.9.3 Significance/values of the forest ......................................................................................... 28
4.10 Traffic ......................................................................................................................................... 31
4.11 Railway line ................................................................................................................................ 31
4.12 Public Utilities ............................................................................................................................ 32
5.0 ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED ................................................................................................ 33
5.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 33
5.2 No Project Development Option ................................................................................................. 33
5.3 Engineering Intervention Option ................................................................................................ 33
5.4 The Preferred Alternative............................................................................................................ 36
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6.0 POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS .................................................... 37

6.1 Potential Positive Impacts Constructional Phase ..................................................................... 37
6.1.1 Employment and Income .................................................................................................... 37
6.1.2 Enhance skills for Local Artisans ....................................................................................... 37
6.1.3 Increase revenue for the Municipal Assembly .................................................................... 37
6.2 Potential Positive Impacts Operational Phase .......................................................................... 37
6.2.1 Improved Regional Economy ............................................................................................. 37
6.2.2 Road Safety, Accidents and Comfort .................................................................................. 38
6.2.3 Vehicle Operating and Transportation Costs ...................................................................... 38
6.2.4 Improvement in Traffic Congestion .................................................................................... 38
6.3 Potential Negative Impacts Construction Phase ...................................................................... 39
6.3.1 Water Resources ................................................................................................................. 39
6.3.2 Soil Erosion and Sedimentation .......................................................................................... 39
6.3.3 Air Quality .......................................................................................................................... 39
6.3.4 Noise and Vibration ............................................................................................................ 39
6.3.5 Landscape Modification...................................................................................................... 40
6.3.6 Traffic Congestion .............................................................................................................. 40
6.3.7 Construction Camps ............................................................................................................ 40
6.3.8 Construction Wastes ........................................................................................................... 40
6.3.9 Public Utilities .................................................................................................................... 41
6.3.10 Disturbance to Guako Sacred Grove ................................................................................... 41
6.3.11 Land Acquisitions and Relocations..................................................................................... 41
6.3.12 Vehicular-Pedestrian Conflicts ........................................................................................... 42
6.3.13 Public Health ....................................................................................................................... 42
6.4 Potential Negative Impacts Operational Phase ........................................................................ 42
6.4.1 Drainage .............................................................................................................................. 42
6.4.2 Land Use Changes .............................................................................................................. 43
6.4.3 Health, Safety and Security ................................................................................................. 43
6.4.4 Interchange may be used as event poster wall / board ........................................................ 43
6.5 Climate Change ........................................................................................................................... 43
6.6 Cumulative impacts .................................................................................................................... 43
6.7 Summary of Impacts ................................................................................................................... 44
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6.8 Potential Environmental and Social Impacts of Community Development Project ................... 50
6.8.1 Positive Impacts .................................................................................................................. 51
6.8.2 Negative Impacts................................................................................................................. 52
7.0 MITIGATION MEASURES AND COMPLEMENTARY INITIATIVES ................................... 55
7.1 Mitigation Measures Construction Phase ................................................................................ 55
7.1.1 Water Quality ...................................................................................................................... 55
7.1.2 Soil Erosion and Sedimentation .......................................................................................... 55
7.1.3 Air Quality .......................................................................................................................... 55
7.1.4 Noise and Vibration ............................................................................................................ 55
7.1.5 Landscape Modification...................................................................................................... 56
7.1.6 Traffic Congestion .............................................................................................................. 56
7.1.7 Construction Camps ............................................................................................................ 65
7.1.8 Construction Wastes ........................................................................................................... 65
7.1.9 Public Utilities .................................................................................................................... 65
7.1.10 Disturbance to Guako Sacred Grove ................................................................................... 66
7.1.11 Land Acquisitions and Relocations..................................................................................... 66
7.1.12 Alternatives for taxi and tanker drivers............................................................................... 66
7.1.13 Vehicular-Pedestrian Conflicts ........................................................................................... 67
7.1.14 Public and Occupational Health and Safety ........................................................................ 67
7.2 Mitigation measures Operational Phase ................................................................................... 67
7.2.1 Drainage .............................................................................................................................. 67
7.2.2 Land Use Changes .............................................................................................................. 67
7.2.3 Health, Safety and Security ................................................................................................. 68
7.2.4 Interchange may be used as event poster wall / board ........................................................ 68
7.3 COST OF MITIGATION MEASURES ..................................................................................... 68
7.4 Climate Change Mitigation ......................................................................................................... 72
7.5 COMPLEMENTARY INITIATIVES ........................................................................................ 72
7.5.1 Prevention of the Spread of Diseases .................................................................................. 72
7.5.2 Road Safety Education Campaigns ..................................................................................... 72
7.5.3 Tree planting ....................................................................................................................... 72
8.0 EXPECTED RESIDUAL EFFECTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARD MANAGEMENT . 73
8.1 Residual Impacts ......................................................................................................................... 73
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8.2 Environmental hazard management ............................................................................................ 73

8.3 Environmental Emergency Response Plan ................................................................................. 74
9.0 STAKEHOLDER AND PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS ................................................................. 76
9.1 Overview ..................................................................................................................................... 76
9.2 Objectives ................................................................................................................................... 76
9.2.1 Schedule of Consultations ................................................................................................... 77
9.3 Brief Outcomes from Consultations ........................................................................................... 78
9.4 Future Consultations ................................................................................................................... 79
9.5 Summary of project appreciation and concerns .......................................................................... 79
9.5.1 Appreciation ........................................................................................................................ 79
9.5.2 Concerns ............................................................................................................................. 80
10.0 MONITORING ............................................................................................................................... 81
10.1 Construction Phase Monitoring Enforcement ............................................................................. 81
11.0 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN .................................................... 83
11.1 An Overview ............................................................................................................................... 83
11.2 Guiding Principles ...................................................................................................................... 83
11.3 Scope of the Management Plan................................................................................................... 83
11.4 RESPONSIBILITIES ................................................................................................................. 84
11.4.1 General View ...................................................................................................................... 84
11.5 Engineer ...................................................................................................................................... 84
11.6 Contractor ................................................................................................................................... 85
11.7 Environmental and Social Officer............................................................................................... 86
11.8 EPA ............................................................................................................................................. 86
11.9 DUR/CLIENT ............................................................................................................................. 87
11.10 GWMA ................................................................................................................................... 87
11.11 The General Public.................................................................................................................. 87
11.12 Enforcement Mechanisms ....................................................................................................... 87
11.12.1 General ............................................................................................................................ 87
11.12.2 Environmental Clauses: .................................................................................................. 88
12.0 INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITIES AND STRENGTHENING PLAN ........................................... 93
12.1 DUR ............................................................................................................................................ 93
12.2 GWMA ....................................................................................................................................... 93
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12.3 EPA ............................................................................................................................................. 95

13.0 CONCLUSION ............................................................................................................................... 96
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ACRONYMS
AfDB African Development Bank
AIDS - Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
DFR - Department of Feeder Roads
DUR - Department of Urban Roads
ECG - Electricity Company of Ghana
ESIA - Environmental and Social Impact Assessment
ESIS - Environmental and Social Impact Statement
ESMP - Environmental and Social Management Plan
EMU - Environmental Management Unit
EPA - Environmental Protection Agency
ESO - Environmental safety Officer
FC - Forestry Commission
FSD - Forest Services Division
GAMA - Greater Accra Municipal Area
GoG - Government of Ghana
GHA - Ghana Highway Authority
GRIDCo - Ghana Grid Company
GSS - Ghana Statistical Services
GWCL - Ghana Water Company Limited
GWMA - Ga West Municipal Assembly
HSP - Health and Safety Plan
HIV - Human Immune Virus
IFC - International Financial Corporation
ISS - Integrated Safeguard Systems
ISPS - Integrated safeguard Policy System
MRH - Ministry of Roads and Highways
NMT - Non Motorised Traffic
OS - Operational Safeguards
OSH - Occupational Safety and Health
PAP - Project Affected Person
PHC - Population and Housing Census
RFS - Road Fund Secretariat
ROW - Right-Of-Way
RSE - Road Safety & Environment
SME - Small and Medium Enterprise
STI - Sexually Transmitted Infections
TOR - Terms of Reference
WRC - Water Resources Commission
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LIST OF TABLES
Table 1: Ambient Air Quality Standards ...................................................................................................... 7
Table 2: IFC Noise Limits ............................................................................................................................ 7
Table 3: EPA Noise Limits ........................................................................................................................... 8
Table 4: Ghanaian and IFC Water Quality Discharge Standards ................................................................. 8
Table 5: Design Standards .......................................................................................................................... 12
Table 6: Location of Borrow Pits................................................................................................................ 13
Table 7: Haulage distance of Quarry Pits ................................................................................................... 14
Table 8: Location and Quantity of Sand .................................................................................................... 14
Table 9: Access routes and their lengths ..................................................................................................... 17
Table 10: Water quality of Sunkwa Stream ................................................................................................ 22
Table 11: The PM and TSP levels at ACP Junction were measured .......................................................... 24
Table 12: Ambient Noise levels (dBA) recorded at ACP Junction February 21, 2015 .............................. 24
Table 13: Population of Ga West Municipality .......................................................................................... 25
Table 14: Population size of the studied communities................................................................................ 25
Table 15: Wildlife Species encountered in the sacred groove during field surveys ................................... 28
Table 16: Annual Daily Traffic by Road .................................................................................................... 31
Table 17: Description of Intersection/Interchange Schemes ...................................................................... 34
Table 18: Comparison of 3-Tier with Signal and Rotary (2019-2043) ....................................................... 35
Table 19: Geographical Context and Policy Importance ............................................................................ 45
Table 20: Magnitude Criteria ...................................................................................................................... 45
Table 21 : Evaluation of Significance of Effect .......................................................................................... 46
Table 22: Summary of Environmental and Social Impacts ........................................................................ 46
Table 23: Potential Positive Impacts of Community Development Projects .............................................. 51
Table 24: Potential Negative Impacts of Community Development Projects ............................................ 52
Table 25: Staging of Construction Works and Traffic Diversion ............................................................... 58
Table 26: Mitigation measures and Cost..................................................................................................... 68
Table 27: Health and Safety Incident Recording Procedure ....................................................................... 74
Table 28: Details of Consulted Stakeholders .............................................................................................. 77
Table 29: Summary of Monitoring Responsibilities and Output ................................................................ 81
Table 30: Environmental Management responsibility of the Engineer....................................................... 84
Table 31: Environmental Management Responsibilities of Contractor ...................................................... 85
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Table 32: Support for Environmental Unit of DUR.................................................................................... 93

Table 33:GWMA budget for Institutional Support ..................................................................................... 93
Table 34: Monitoring Budget...................................................................................................................... 95
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Map Showing Project layout ......................................................................................................... 1

Figure 2: Map showing location of quarry sites and borrow pits ............................................................... 15
Figure 3: Google Earth image showing locations of access routes ............................................................. 17
Figure 4: Annual Rainfall Trend ................................................................................................................. 19
Figure 5: Mean monthly Rainfall distribution in Millimetres ..................................................................... 20
Figure 6: Map Showing Guako Sacred Grove ............................................................................................ 27
Figure 7: Water abstraction points for tankers ............................................................................................ 29
Figure 8: Rat hole dug out by humans during hunting of the animal. ........................................................ 29
Figure 9: Map Showing Degraded Portion of Forest .................................................................................. 30
Figure 10: Map showing Interchange impact on Grove.............................................................................. 41
Figure 11: Traffic Diversion for Stage 1 Construction Works.................................................................... 59
Figure 16: Individual Consultations............................................................................................................ 76
Figure 17: Stakeholders Forum .................................................................................................................. 77
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Government of the Republic of Ghana (GoG) in line with its effort to improve transportation
has implemented Accra Urban Transport Project Phase 1 as a result of a loan received from
African Development Bank (AfDB). As part of this, the GoG acting through the Ministry of
Roads and Highways (MRH) and Department of Urban Roads (DUR) has awarded a contract to
Messrs Associated Consultants Limited in Accra, Ghana to undertake a Detailed Engineering
Design of the Foundation, Traffic Management and Drainage Design of the Pokuase Interchange.
The proposed Pokuase Interchange, at the interchange of the Awoshie Pokuase road and the
Accra-Kumasi Highway at Pokuase has been designed by Messrs Associated Consultants
Limited for the Ministry of Roads and Highways through the Department of Urban Roads which
seeks to improve travel within and between the communities and also to remove the expected
bottleneck at the junction on completion of the main Awoshie Pokuase road project. Under
Ghanas environmental law, construction of roads and highways is classified as environmentally
critical and consequently subject to an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment, an
Environmental and Social Impact Statement has been prepared, which is presented hereunder.
Background
The proposed project involves the design and construction of a three-tier signalised interchange
at Pokuase ACP Junction. The first tier links Accra to Nsawam. It is the existing Accra-
Nsawam-Kumasi Highway. The third tier connects Awoshie road (currently under construction)
to Pokuase ACP-Kwabenya Road. The middle tier can be used to access Awoshie, ACP-
Kwabenya, Accra and Nsawam. The objective of the road project is to enhance urban mobility,
promote efficient, affordable transport services along the Awoshie-Pokuase-Kwabenya Road and
improve livelihoods of people in the project area of influence.
The objective of the ESIA is to:
Establish baseline information on both natural and built environment including the socio
economic activities within the corridors of the project road.
Assess and possibly quantify positive and negative impacts.
Propose effective measures to mitigate the negative impacts.
Outline management clauses and enforcement of the mechanisms to be included in the
contract document regarding the implementation of the mitigation measures, and
Prepare a monitoring and management plan indicating parameters to be monitored,
responsibilities and outputs
Methodology
The EIA Study covered an initial review of relevant literature followed by field work in the form
of scoping and gathering of environmental baseline data. During scoping consultations were
held with various stakeholders whose concerns were incorporated into the EIA Terms of
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Reference. Baseline data were assembled through field study. On the basis of information
obtained from the above activities, potential positive and negative impacts of the project were
identified.
Baseline Conditions
Baseline studies enabled the gathering of information on the existing biophysical and socio
economic information. The project is located in the Ga West Municipal Assembly which is
within the coastal savannah ecological zone. This zone is characterised by double maxima
rainfall and high temperature. The project zone is located close to the Guako sacred grove and
also traverses the Sunkwa stream. The population of the Ga West Municipality is estimated
around 262,742 with 49 % being male and 51% female.
Consideration of Alternatives
Alternatives to the project were considered and a conclusion was reached that the net benefits
could only be achieved if the construction went ahead. The construction of the interchange
would considerably ease the traffic congestion anticipated after the construction of the Awoshie
Pokuase road.
Potential Impacts and Mitigation Measures
The impacts that may be expected are dealt with and are common to most road construction
projects. Negative impacts such as noise, dust, disruption in road use etc., may be expected for
limited duration during the construction period. Considerable increases in traffic flows and
danger to pedestrians and livestock in the communities are also anticipated during the
operational phase. However, the positive impacts will include significant reduction in travel
time, increased travel comfort of travel and increases in economic activities among others.
Mitigation measures have been proposed to address the negative impacts and to enhance the
positive ones. These include operation and maintenance of equipment in accordance to
manufacturers specifications to minimise emission of particulates and noise; appropriate
disposal or reuse of excavated material; implementation of management practices to eliminate
breeding sites of disease vectors and prevent the creation of new ones; implementing appropriate
traffic management measures; and ensuring strict Occupational Safety and Health (OSH)
standards at the base camp.
Expected Residual Effects and Environmental Hazard Management
With the implementation and strict adherence to mitigation measures it is expected that residual
impacts will be of low significance. There are however some positive residual impacts that can
be realised such as improvement in traffic situation and increased awareness of health and safety
issues. Construction of a road involves occupational health and safety risks to road workers,
primarily in the areas of storage and handling of materials, and operation of heavy machinery.
The failure of environmental mitigation can result in serious impacts such as erosion, increased
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road accidents and disruption of the community lifestyles. In view of this, an emergency
response plan is proposed to be put in place to deal with environmental /public health
emergencies associated with accidents.
Stakeholder and Public Consultation
Stakeholder and public consultations is an essential part of the ESIA process. Both EPA (Ghana)
and AfDB require that stakeholders are consulted to seek their views and opinions regarding the
project before they are implemented. Through this process, stakeholders and the public have an
opportunity to contribute to the overall project design by making recommendations and raising
concerns. In addition, the process creates a sense of responsibility, commitment and local
ownership for smooth implementation of the project. This was the objective of these consultation
forums.
Monitoring
An Environmental Management and Monitoring Programme have been developed. The

programme comprises elements to be incorporated as requirements specified in the Contract
Documents. The responsibilities of the concerned parties are stated. Environmental monitoring
and enforcement requirements are presented along with their outputs.
Environmental and Social Management Plan
This section documents a set of guidelines for implementing and incorporating environmental
management practices to minimise adverse environmental impacts associated with the
construction of the Pokuase Interchange. Its aim is to establish environmental management
standard guidelines for all parties involved in undertaking their various tasks and responsibilities
for the project.
Institutional Capacities and Strengthening Plan
This chapter details the capacity strengthening plans that will be needed to improve or aid the
ability of some key agencies with regard to the implementation of the ESMP. A total cost of
(GH) 1,147,826.94.
Conclusion
Extensive consultations were held with a number of stakeholders and generally, they were of the
view that even though the construction phase of the project will inconvenience them in deferent
ways, the benefit of the rehabilitated road will outweigh the inconveniences, most of which is
temporary. The project is therefore generally accepted and recommended for implementation
assuming the designing and implementation of appropriate environmental management
measures.
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
The GoG acting through the Ministry of Roads and Highways (MRH) and Department of
Urban Roads (DUR) awarded a contract to Messrs Associated Consultants Limited in Accra,
Ghana to undertake a Detailed Engineering Design of the Foundation, Traffic Management
and Drainage Design of the Pokuase Interchange.
The Awoshie-Pokuase road, which is currently under construction, is expected to improve

mobility and accessibility to the rapidly developing north- western corridor of the Greater
Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA). The road links the Accra-Kumasi road, (N6) at the ACP
junction at Pokuase. The objective of the Awoshie Pokuase road project is to enhance urban
mobility, promote efficient, affordable transport services along the Awoshie-Pokuase Road
and improve livelihoods of people in the project area of influence.
However, the road being constructed will intersect the Accra-Kumasi road at the Pokuase
ACP junction and traffic streams are expected to conflict with each other. The Department of
Urban Roads therefore seeks to use the development of the Pokuase interchange to remove
the expected bottleneck at the junction on completion of the main Awoshie Pokuase road
project and to improve travel within and between the communities.
ACP/Kwabenya
Pokuase
Road
Old Awoshie
Road Uncompleted Section of
Awoshie-Pokuase Road
Nsawam
Awoshie- Road
Pokuase Road
Figure 1: Map Showing Project layout
1.2 Project Objectives

The Ministry of Roads and Highways through the Department of Urban Roads seeks to use
the development of the Pokuase interchange to improve travel within and between the
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communities and also to remove the expected bottleneck at the junction on completion of the
main Awoshie Pokuase road project. It also ultimately aims to enhance urban mobility,
promote efficient, affordable transport services along the Awoshie-Pokuase-Kwabenya Road
and improve livelihoods of people in the project area of influence.
1.3 ESIA Study Objectives

The objective of the ESIA is to:
Establish baseline information on both natural and built environment including the
socio economic activities within the corridors of the project road.
Assess both positive and negative impacts.
Propose effective measures to mitigate the negative impacts.
Outline management clauses and enforcement of the mechanisms to be included in the
contract document regarding the implementation of the mitigation measures, and
Prepare a monitoring and management plan indicating parameters to be monitored,
responsibilities and outputs.
1.4 ESIA Study Scope

The scope of the ESIA Study follows the requirements of both the EPA and AfDB.
Geographically the study is limited to the immediate environs of the project interchange. It
will consider but not be limited to the following:
The socio economic effects that the actual works will have on the communities along
the road.
Consulting with government agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and other
interested members of the public.
Establishing an environmental baseline for the project area.
Assessing environmental and social impacts resulting from the project and their
significance;
Recommending appropriate measures to mitigate potential negative impacts and
enhance positive ones.
Preparing management clauses to be included in the contract document; and
Outlining a monitoring plan, including parameters to be monitored, timelines and
responsibilities for implementation.
1.5 ESIA Methodology

The data and information for this study was obtained through field visits, review of literature
including legislation related to the project implementation and public consultations.
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1.5.1 Review of Relevant Literature

The team reviewed relevant policies and legislations and related documents with regard to the
project to ensure that the design of the project is compliant with laws of Ghana and AfDB.
1.5.2 Field Work

The study team conducted field visits to investigate issues of concern. These involved on-site
field inspection of the proposed project and its surroundings to establish environmental and
socio- economic baseline conditions on which the identification of impacts and their
corresponding mitigation measures were based.
The central policy of the ESIA is to provide an opportunity for public participation in the
project design and implementation throughout the entire ESIA process. In this respect,
stakeholders who included Project Affected Persons, Traditional Leaders, Government and
Municipal assembly officials who are likely to be affected directly or indirectly by the
implementation of the proposed project were consulted. These consultations brought to light
peoples views, fears and expectations making it easy to identify major environmental and
socio-economic concerns.
Furthermore, Public consultations provided the study team the opportunity to inform the
community members about the proposed project.
1.6 Environmental and Social Impact Statement

All identified significant adverse impacts were considered and specific, practicable mitigation
measures proposed.
A monitoring programme has been formulated to monitor trends as a result of the project and
thus create the opportunity to minimise adverse effects due to uncertainties in the impact
assessment.
On the basis of the Terms of Reference, this Environmental and Social Impact Statement is
prepared with the following major components:
1. Executive Summary,
2. Introduction
3. Policy, legal and administrative framework,
4. Description of Project
5. Description of Project Environment,
6. Analysis of Alternative Approaches,
7. Potential Environmental and Social Impacts
8. Mitigation of Environmental Impacts and Complementary initiatives
9. Expected residual effects and environmental hazard management
10. Environmental Monitoring Plan,
11. Public Consultations,
12. Environmental and Social Management Plan
13. Institutional Capacities and Strengthening plan
14. Conclusion
15. Annexes
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2.0 ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY AND INSTITUTIONAL

FRAMEWORK
2.1 Ghana Government Environmental Policy

The ultimate aim of the National Environmental Policy of Ghana is to improve the
surroundings, living conditions and the quality of life for all citizens, both present and future.
It seeks to ensure reconciliation between economic development and natural resource
conservation, to make high quality environment a key element supporting the countrys
economic and social development (EPA, 1991). This environmental policy specifically seeks
to:
Maintain ecosystems and ecological processes essential for the functioning of the
biosphere;
Ensure sound management of natural resources and the environment;
Adequately protect humans animals and plants, their biological communities and
habitats against harmful impacts and destructive practices and preservation biological
diversity;
Guide development in accordance with quality requirements to prevent, reduce, and
as far as possible, eliminate pollution and nuisances;
Integrate environmental considerations in sectoral, structural and social-economic
planning at the national, regional, district and grassroots levels;
Seek common solutions to environmental problems in West Africa, Africa and the
world at large.
Environmental protection in Ghana is guided by the preventive approach, that is, with the
recognition that socio-economic development must be undertaken in such a way as to avoid
the creation of environmental problems. Creation of awareness, among all sections of the
community, of the environment and its relationship to socio-economic development, and of
the necessity for rational resource use among all sectors of the country is vital part of the
overall objective. Public participation in the environmental decision-making process is an
important element of government policy.
2.2 Legal and Institutional Framework

There are a number of international and local laws and regulations concerned with
development, health related matters and the environment in general. The major laws related
to this project include:
Environmental Assessment Regulations LI 1652, 1999 - To provide guidance and

ensure adequate consideration of biodiversity and related sensitive resources for
Environmental Impact Assessments in Ghana.
Environmental Protection Agency, Act 490, 1994 - Responsible for advising
government on all matters relating to the environment - monitoring sound ecological
balance and coordinating environment activities, education and research. The Act also
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specifies requirements for the production of an EIA for various proposed works.
Figure 2 below indicates the EIA Procedure.
Criminal Code (Act 29) Section 296-297, 1960 - Prevents the accumulation and
exposure of filth and refuse of all kinds and the prohibition of activities, which may
endanger public health or cause damage to lands, crops, cattle or goods. Any project
activities that will pose danger to health and safety will be infringing on this law.
Water Resources Commission Act 522 (1996) - provides for the preparation of
comprehensive plans for the regulation, utilization, conservation, development and
improvement of water resources and develops policy framework for water resources
management in the country. This Act also grants rights to exploit water resources.
Local Government Act 462, 1994, - District Assemblies will therefore be responsible
for the development, improvement and maintenance of human settlements and
environment in the district and local levels. The Assemblies will therefore be
responsible for the management and maintenance of the roads within their respective
jurisdiction
Town and Country Planning Cap 84, 1951 - Preparation of district layout plans, and
protection and preservation of amenities and public services such as drainage, roads,
refuse disposal, sewerage and water supply.
The Lands Statutory Way Leaves Act 186, 1963-This Land Statutory Way Leaves
Instrument is the most relevant Act with regard to Land acquisition for road
construction. The Act regulates the acquisition of land for road projects. It also allows
for the purposes of construction, installation and maintenance of works of public
utility and for the creation of right-of-way and other rights in respect of such works. It
provides compensation for certain types of loss or damage incurred as a result of those
activities. And once the property owner is served a copy of the Way leaves, he/she has
three months from the date within which to make a compensation claim.
Labour Act No Act 651,2003- Part XV, Section 118 (1) and (2a-h) of the Act enjoins
employers to ensure that every worker employed by him or her works under
satisfactory, safe and healthy conditions, and is further obliged to provide necessary
information, instructions, training and supervision to ensure the health and safety at
work of those other workers engaged in a particular work.
African Development Bank Integrated Safeguard System- African Development Bank

has established an Integrated Safeguard System (ISS) for a comprehensive projects
review and ensuring a cross the board perspective of environmental and social
linkages. The ISS comprises of four components, all that existed separately but with
identifiable operational weakness. The components include;
(i) Integrated safeguard policy statement (ISPS)
(ii) Operational safeguards (OS)
(iii) Environmental and social assessment procedures (ESAPs)
(iv) Environmental and social impact Assessments (ESIAs)
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Integrated Safeguard System (ISS) constitutes five operational safeguards addressing

the following fields;
Environmental and social assessments as well as climate issues
Involuntary resettlements, land acquisition, population displacements and
requirements and compensation
Biodiversity and ecosystem conservation and promotion of sustainable use
of natural resources.
Pollution prevention and control
Labour health and safety conditions
The specific safeguards are briefly described below;
Operational Safeguard 1 (OS 1)

This is the main safeguard that guides environment and social assessment as well as
climate issues. The safeguard governs the process of determining a projects environment
and social assessment requirement. OS is designed to identify access and manage
potential environment and social risks and impacts including climate change issues. More
specifically, OS1 achieves the following;
i. Identify and assess risks and impacts,
ii. Avoid and/or minimize, risks and impact,
iii. Provide for stakeholders participation.
iv. Ensure effective management of risks and impacts
v. Contribute to capacity building elements.
Operational Safeguard 2(OS 2)

The safeguard focuses on involuntary resettlements, land acquisition, population
displacements and requirements and compensation. It consolidates the policy commitment
and requirements on involuntary resettlements and incorporates improvements operational
effectiveness.
Operational Safeguards 3 (OS 3)

This safeguard is designed to govern biodiversity and ecosystem services for the conservation
and promotion of sustainable use of natural resources. Among the focus is on the integrated
water resources management where commitments translated into operational requirements.
Operational Safeguard 4(OS 4)

OS4 governs pollution prevention and control, hazardous materials and resource efficiently.
It covers a wide range of impacts arising from pollution, wastes and hazardous materials and
particularly those under international conventions and regional standards. This also includes
greenhouse accounting. The OS4 principles also support OS1 described above.
Operational safeguard 5 (OS 5)

Labour conditions, health and safety are a major concern in projects. The Bank therefore, has
established OS5 to address requirements concerning works conditions, rights and protection
from abuse and/or exploitation.
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2.3 Emission Limit Values

The following national and international emission limit values are applicable to the Project.
2.3.1 Ambient Air Quality

The Ghanaian Ambient Air Quality Standards are provided in Table 1, together with
associated World Health Organisation (WHO) (2005) standards. It should be noted that the
Ghanaian Standards are applicable at defined locations, classified as industrial or
residential. The WHO Guidelines are understood to be applicable to the protection of public
health.
Table 1: Ambient Air Quality Standards
Standards & Guidelines

EPA WHO
Location Time
Pollutant
Weighted
Averaging
Average Guideline
Time
(TWA)
Industrial 230
24hrs
Total Suspended Residential 150
-
Particulate (TSP) Industrial 75
Annual
Residential 60
Particulate Matter 24hrs - 70 50ug/m3
(PM10) Annual - - 20ug/m3
2.3.2 Noise
International guidelines for ambient noise levels are set out by the IFC in their
Environmental, Health, and Safety Guidelines (2007) and presented in Table 2. In addition,
the EPA provides national guidance on maximum permissible noise levels for prescribed
areas(Table 3). The IFC requires that noise impacts should achieve either the levels given
below in Table 2 or a maximum increase of 3 dB at the nearest receptor location offsite.
Table 2: IFC Noise Limits

Maximum allowable log equivalent
(hourly measurements), in dB(A)
Receptor
Day Night
(0700 2200) (2200 0700)
Residential
Institutional 55 45
Educational
Industrial 70 70
Commercial
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Table 3: EPA Noise Limits

Permissible Noise Level dB(A)
Zone Description of Area of Noise Reception Day Night
(0600 2200) (2200 0600)
Residential areas with negligible or infrequent
A 55 48
transportation
Educational (School), and health (Hospital,
B1 55 50
clinic) facilities.
B2 Areas with some commercial or light industry. 60 55
Areas with some light industry, places of
C1 entertainment or public assembly, and places of 65 60
worship such as churches and mosques.
C2 Predominantly commercial areas. 75 65
D Light industrial areas. 70 60
E Predominantly heavy industrial areas. 70 70
2.3.3 Water Quality

The National standard (GS 175-1) which is the same as WHO guidelines for drinking water
are presented in Table 4.
Table 4: Ghanaian and IFC Water Quality Discharge Standards
Unit of
Characteristics Parameter Measurement *Standard
Turbidity NTU 5
Colour(apparent) Hz 15
Physical Tot. Sus. Sol (SS) mg/l -
Tot. Dis. mg/l 1000
Solids(TDS)
Conductivity S/cm -
Acidity (PH) pH 6.5-8.5
Potassium units
mg/l 30
Sodium mg/l 200
Calcium mg/l 200
Magnesium mg/l 150
Chemical Chloride mg/l 250
Ammonia(NH4- mg/l 0.00-1.5
N) Iron
Total mg/l 0.3
Sulphate (SO4) mg/l 250
Manganese mg/l 0.4
Phosphate (PO4- mg/l -
P)
Nitrate (NO3-N) mg/l 10
Nitrite (NO2 -N) mg/l 1.0
*Faecal Coliform cfu/100ml 0
Biological *Total Coliform cfu/100ml 0
* E.coli cfu/100ml 0
Total Hetero. cfu/100ml 500
Bacteria
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2.4 Road Policy and Administrative Framework

Government of Ghana (GOG) Roads and Highways policy provides for continued
improvements to the nations rural and urban road network. This objective will be met
through an improved road maintenance as well as rehabilitation and construction programme.
The Ministry of Roads and Highways (MRH) is responsible for formulating policies and
overall strategies on roads and vehicular transport. The Ghana Highway Authority (GHA),
Department of Feeder Roads (DFR) and Department of Urban Roads (DUR) are the
organizations under MRH which carry out actual implementation of road policies. Ghana
Highway Authority is responsible for 14,900 km of roads about 65% of which are gravel
roads. The current project falls within the jurisdiction of the Department of Urban Roads.
The MRH has prepared an Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) as
well as a Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF). The purpose of the ESMF and RPF is to
provide corporate environmental, social and resettlement safeguard policy frameworks,
institutional arrangements and capacity available to identify and mitigate potential safeguard
issues and impacts of each sub-project.
2.5 Environmental Assessment Regulations and Procedures

Under Ghanas Environmental laws, an EIA is mandatory for seventeen (17) types of
activities classified as environmentally critical and require an Environmental Permit (EP).
Construction of roads and highways is one of these critical undertakings and therefore an EIA
and EP are mandatory for the proposed project.
2.6 Institutional Framework

Institutional responsibilities for the co-ordination, planning, administration, management and
control of development and environmental issues are fragmented among a number of
agencies, ministries and organizations. The major institutions involved include:
1. Environmental Protection Agency

2. Ministry of Roads and Highways
3. Ghana Highway Authority
4. Department of Urban Roads
5. Ga West Municipal Assembly
6. Forestry Commission
During the preparation of the report, these major institutions and/or their documents were
consulted for their technical advice, expert knowledge and concerns as related to the project.
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2.6.1 Institutional and Implementation Arrangements
2.6.1.1 Ministry of Roads and Highways (MRH)

The MRH has the specific task of coordinating and guiding the activities of the three main
executing agencies in the road sector under the Ministry; The Ghana Highway Authority, and
Department of Urban and Feeder Roads The other related organisations namely under the
ministry include the and Road Fund Secretariat (RFS). The MRH has a Deputy Director in
charge of Road Safety and Environment (RSE).
The MRH has responsibility for the:
Formulation and implementation of integrated roads and highways policy and

planning;
Promotion of strategic investment in the sector;
Development, implementation and monitoring of road projects; and
Regulation of standards
2.6.1.2 Ghana Highway Authority (GHA)

The GHA is a semi-autonomous body with a responsibility for the provision and management
of trunk roads. It was originally established in 1974 as the organization responsible for the
development and administration of the entire national road network. Since the GHA Act 540
of December 1997, its role has been limited to the planning administration, control,
development and maintenance of trunk roads and related facilities subject to the policies of
the MRH.
The GHA has an Environmental Management Unit (EMU) that has oversight on
environmental and social issues of the Authoritys mandate. The EMU operates under the
Road Safety and Environment Division (RSED).
2.6.1.3 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

The EPA has the mandate to decide on project screening, guide the conduct of any
Environmental Assessment (EA) studies and to grant environmental approval for road sector
projects to commence. Its mandate also covers monitoring of implementation phase of road
projects to ensure compliance with approval conditions, mitigation measures, and other
environmental commitments and quality standards.
2.6.1.4 Resource Management Institutions

The Water Resources Commission (WRC) and the Forest Services Division (FSD) of the
Forestry Commission (FC) are the water and forest resources management institutions
respectively. These institutions become relevant whenever such resources under their
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management are likely to be impacted on or implicated in a proposed road project. Such

stakeholder institutions would then be consulted in the planning and decision processing to
prevent, avoid, reduce or mitigate the likely impact of the project. They may also have to
give their consent with respect to the extent to which such resources may be affected or lost
as a result of the road development.
2.6.1.5 Utility Service Providing Institutions

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), Ghana Grid Company(GRIDCo) Ghana Water
Company Limited (GWCL) and Telecom Companies are public /private institutions that
provide and/ manage utility services including electricity, water, telecommunication and
petroleum transmission and storage infrastructure. These are all linear transmission facilities
either through underground pipes or overhead lines, often along existing road network
corridors (where roads exist). Road construction or reconstruction and other services and
interventions tend to affect such transmission lines. These often require relocation,
realignment, etc to make room for the road project, which calls for the involvement of the
respective utility companies or institutions to be consulted in the road project decision-
making processes as appropriate
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3.0 DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT
3.1 Project Location and Description

The Proposed Interchange will be located at Pokuase- ACP in the Ga West Municipality. The
interchange will be designed on the intersection of the Accra-Nsawam-Kumasi Highway and
the Pokuase ACP- Kwabenya road. The first tier links Accra to Nsawam on the Accra-
Nsawam-Kumasi Highway. The third tier connects the Awoshie road (currently under
construction) to Pokuase ACP-Kwabenya Road. The second tier can be used to access
Awoshie, ACP-Kwabenya, Accra and Nsawam. The interchange will also have traffic
management and safety features such as a roundabout, zebra crossings and lay bys. Street
lighting will also be provided along the legs as well.
3.2 Project Components
3.2.1 Design Standard

The design standards to be used for the design review and design are as set out in the Ghana
Highway Authoritys Road Design Guide March 1991 This design guide will be used in
conjunction with other guidelines including AASHTOs Policy on Geometric Designs of
Highways and Streets (2001) and the Ministry of Transports Standard Details, Road Signs
and Marking for Urban and Trunk Roads 1991 and Freeway and Interchange Geometric
Design Handbook, Joel P. Leisch (ITE).
The following is a summary of the design standards used:
Table 5: Design Standards

Design Speed 100km/h for the Accra-Kumasi Road and 80km/h for the
Awoshie-Pokuase-Kwabenya Road
Design Vehicle Double Axle Articulated Trailer

Maximum Super elevation 4%
Lane Width Accra-Kumasi Road 3.65m
Awoshie-Pokuase-Kwabenya Road 3.5m
Ramps 3.5m
Nominal Cross-Slope 2.5%
Minimum Vertical 6.0m
Clearance
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3.2.2 Project Works

The proposed project improvement works will comprise the following:
Road from the Awoshie-Pokuase Road to the ACP-Ashale Botwe Road about 1500 -
2000m of dual Construction Works:
An interchange at the intersection of the ACP-Awoshie /Nsawam Road
Necessary road widening on the Nsawam Road
Provision of necessary ramps and slip roads to make the interchange perform optimally
Necessary traffic management and safety features to address potential safety concerns
of the project
3.2.3 Horizontal and Vertical Alignments

The horizontal and vertical alignments of the project road have been designed to meet
standard requirements and to improve safety.
3.2.4 Pedestrian Facilities

In view of the high volume of pedestrians in the vicinity of the proposed interchange,
facilities for pedestrians have been included in the design to cater for their needs. These
facilities include provision of walkways parallel to the various roads. Also considered are
bicycle lanes which will be contiguous with the Awoshie-Pokuase road as well as ramps.
3.2.5 Traffic Control Devices

Traffic control and speed calming devices will be put in place in addition to other necessary
road furniture when implementing the project.
3.2.6 Construction Materials

Within the GWMA area and the adjoining municipalities, there are both new and existing
borrow and quarry pits that can be sourced for the construction materials for this project.
3.2.6.1 Borrow Pits

The location and approximate quantities of borrow pits are presented in Table 6.
Table 6: Location of Borrow Pits
SAMPLE APPROXIMATE QUANTITY
Location (m3)
Pokuase Pit
(535'51.8"N 250,000.00
015'59.3"W)
Agyen Kotoku Pit
(544'19.88"N 60,000.00
022'22.5"W)
Ablekuma/Agape Pit 450,000.00
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(535'51.8"N
019'40.7"W)
Papase Kotoku
(545'35.54"N 89,250 m3
023'12.5"W)
Katapor
300,000 m3
3.2.6.2 Quarry Products

Resources from three existing quarries in the Nsawam area of Ghana have been proposed for
consideration in the acquisition of crushed rock aggregates for the various construction
activities such as asphaltic concrete works, surface dressing, base course, concrete works and
stone pitched works likely. Their haulage distances are presented below.
Table 7: Haulage distance of Quarry Pits
Quarry Distance from ACP Junction (Km)
ABKA Quarry Limited

20.2
(548'37"N 023'14.8"W)
Maso Quarry Limited

24.0
(548'49.1"N 018'27.7"W)
Nendor Quarry Limited

(548'54.8"N 024'30.1"W) 21.8
3.2.6.3 Sand
The proposal here is that suitable natural sand would have to be sourced from specifically the
Bator and Akuse areas, since it is extremely difficult to come by such materials in good
quality and quantity within the immediate project environs.
Table 8: Location and Quantity of Sand

LOCATION WIDTH LENGTH HEIGHT APPROXIMATE
QUANTITY (m3)
m m m
Akuse 450 700 1.5 307,800
Bator 445 600 2.0 9,425
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Figure 2: Map showing location of quarry sites and borrow pits
3.2.7 Construction Water

There are several water abstraction points or water tanker services in Pokuase and Kwabenya
area where water for the project will be sourced from.
It is expected that upon project commencement, the Contractor will prepare project activities
schedule to share with the Client. Under the proposed interventions to be undertaken, the
following activities are anticipated.
3.2.7.1 Construction Camp Establishment

Appropriate land for construction camp sites will be sought for by the Contractor(s) to house
the following:
I. Main Camp Sites

a) Consultants offices,
b) Contractors offices,
c) Fuel farms
d) Truck parking yards
II. Materials Holding and Batching plants
III. Pre-cast yards
3.2.7.2 Site Preparation

Construction process begins with the alignment surveying, pegging and clearing. This
involves bush clearing, top soil stripping to be followed with earthworks. Bush clearing
removes vegetation cover including grass, shrubs and young trees. Often, grown trees will
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also be removed and the Contractor is expected to maintain a record of the number, species
and characteristics of the trees removed for compensation through planting.
3.2.7.3 Earthworks
Earth moving is the removal of the overburden along the alignment to give way for filling
with appropriate materials. This generates significant spoil earth materials to be disposed off
or reused elsewhere. The activities will involve moving fill materials (gravel) to fill and
development of the base on which the road surface will be formed.
3.2.7.4Materials Sourcing and Extraction

Mobilisation of materials will be the main activities such as to include aggregate from the
quarry sites, gravel from borrow areas and water from sources. Materials haulage, storage,
batching and applications are major project activities.
3.2.8 Road Surface Materials

The surface materials used would be asphaltic concrete with double surface dressing. The
proposed project route is expected to be durable, having the capacity to bear substantial
and diverse volumes of load with the expected increase in vehicular volume, a better,
smoother riding ability, and a low noise generation characteristic. With respect to the above
desirable qualities, the asphaltic concrete is most ideal.
3.2.9 Project Implementation Schedule

The design studies and other preparation are estimated to be completed by the end of 2015.It
is envisaged that the construction will begin in early 2016 on the earliest up to end of 2017
implying a construction period of 24 months (2 years) .
3.3 Description of Community Development projects

As part of the project, some Community development works are scheduled to take place.
These interventions focus to maximize the developmental impacts of this project:
Construction of about 15.54km (Fig2) of local roads within the project area to ensure
connectivity within the local community and the main road corridors and to provide
good and all weather access to social services such as schools, health facilities,
markets, etc.
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Figure 3: Google Earth image showing locations of access routes

These roads are being developed to serve as access routes to the interchange for
people who will be cut off from the interchange when it is in use. The Access routes
and their respective lengths are listed in Table 9.
Table 9: Access routes and their lengths
Access Road Name Length(km)
Village of Hope Rd 1.24
Hill Top Academy Rd 1.41
Route 2 0.85
Route 1 2.7
Access Road 6 0.2
Access Road 5 0.92
Access Road 4 0.41
Access Road 3 0.13
Access Road 2 0.16
Access Road 1 0.14
Link Road 4 0.17
Link Road 3 0.41
Link Road 2 0.23
Link Road -Kwabenya 0.17
Pokuase -Amasaman 3.33
New Rd from ACP Est. 1.76
ACP Rd (Existing) 0.72
GHS Housing Road 0.59
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The proposed project has a Non-Motorized Transport Traffic Management scheme

(Safe walk to school). The component is integrated to enhance safety of the
pedestrians and other road users. Walkways are considered along the road with clear
separation from the main carriageway. There will also be a lane dedicated for cyclists.
Pedestrian crossings (foot bridges) will ease safe movement and usage of the road by
a majority of the residents, especially school children.
Through social responsibility arrangements, the project will be expected to intervene
on some social facilities. The areas that will be considered include:
o Construction of 3 schools (Kuntunse, Achiaman and Amamorley Basic
Schools).
o Construction of Mortuary , Male and Female Surgical Wards at Ofankor
Hospital
o Construction of Pokuase Bus Terminal
o Construction of the Pokuase and Anyama Markets
The provision of IT equipment to 16 schools (3 new and 13 already constructed under

the Awoshie-Pokuase Project). It will also include the provision of IT training
programme for girls in primary to junior high school.
Support to the Kpobiman Womens Sanitary Service Company through the provision
of water tanks and boreholes to ensure greater water supply to enhance and boost their
activities.
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4.0 DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT ENVIRONMENT
4.1 Project Area of Influence

The project will be located in the Ga West Municipality. The specific project location is at
Pokuase ACP Junction, on the intersection of the Awoshie-Pokuase road; the Accra-
Nsawam-Kumasi Highway and the Pokuase -Kwabenya road. The study is limited to the
three main communities that surround the proposed project area; Pokuase, Kwabenya and
Ayawaso with Pokuase being the direct area of interest and the other two extended areas of
interest.
4.2 Climate
The climatic condition of the project area is characterized to a large extent by temporal and
spatial variation in rainfall. This is principally due to the movement of the inter-tropical
convergence zone (ITCZ). In addition to this primary mechanism, there are other factors that
modulate rainfall amount such as local variation in topography, wind and global factors
giving rise to cyclic climatic variation and possibly longer term climate change. The
movements of the ITCZ are commonly known as South-westerly monsoon which is strictly
the seasonal reversal of the wind accompanied by marked wet and dry seasons. The ITCZ is
formed by vertical motion appearing as convective thunderstorms driven by solar heating,
which effectively draws air in called the trade winds. The duration of the wet season, and
consequently the total amount of rainfall annually, decrease northwards. The greatest rainfall
is generally along the coastline because it has the longest wet season and an inexhaustible
moisture supply from the Gulf of Guinea. It must however be noted, that storm derived from
convective process tend to be of generally low in intensity with long duration. Annual rainfall
in the project catchment ranges from 300mm to 1600mm with a mean annual rainfall of
1000mm. The Trend of total annual rainfall distribution from 1961 to 2011 is as shown in Fig
3.
Annual rainfall trend

1800
1600
1400
Total Annual Rainfall (mm)
1200
1000
800
600
400
200
0
1961 1971 1981 1991 2001 2011 2021 19
Year
Figure 4: Annual Rainfall Trend

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Rainfall Analysis and Design
The collected rainfall data for the project area shows two rainy seasons, the heavy rains start
from March to July and the lesser one from September to October. The dry season falls
within December through to February. The driest month is January followed by February.
The wettest month is June. Fig 4 below shows the average monthly rainfall distribution
within the respective month.
Average monthly Rainfall(mm)

300.0
250.0
Rainfall depth (mm)
200.0
150.0
100.0
50.0
0.0
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Months
Figure 5: Mean monthly Rainfall distribution in Millimetres
Temperature, Humidity and Wind speed
The mean monthly temperature ranges from 23C to 33C. The lowest monthly temperatures
recorded for the project area occurs during July and August due to cloud cover and December
as a result of cool northeast trade winds. The highest monthly temperatures are recorded
usually in March when the sky is devoid of cloud cover. On annual scale, the maxima
temperature ranges between 30C and 32C and the minima between 23C and 25C.
The relative humidity at 0600hrs varies between 90% to 95%.
The mean daily bright sunshine hours varies in excess of 5.0 hours. Wind speeds are
generally light being of order of 6 knots. Strong winds are usually associated with convective
thunderstorm activity during the rainy season and are short in duration.
Temperature, humidity and wind affect rainfall run-off. High temperatures, low relative
humidity and strong winds result in higher evaporation and subsequently reduction in run-off.
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4.3 Topography, Geology and Soils

The topography within the project area is gentle-rolling as is typical of the coastal areas. The
site is bound by the Akwapem and Weija Hills with the Accra- Kumasi highway in the
valley. The relief is generally undulating at less than 76m (250ft) above sea level except for
the areas around the Akwapem and Weija hills. Only the alluvial areas surrounding the
coastal lagoon could strictly be called flat.
Topography
The general topography of the project area is a type that can best be described as undulating
with heights ranging from 70 m up to 210m above mean sea level. There are however, some
few small, sharp undulating as well as flat areas.
Geology
The west of Accra is generally underlain by rocks of the Togo - Akwapim Range which is
now internationally accepted in terminology as the Togo Series. From a source in the sea
around Nyanyano in the Central Region, the Series trends in a northeast direction towards the
western part of Accra and continues in the same direction to the Volta River between Kpong
and Anum and further to the Ghana Togo border near Kpalime and from there in a
northeastern direction where it passes into the Republic of Togo.
The Togo Series originally consisted of alternating argenaceous and argillaceous sediments
which have now been converted into phyllites, schists and quartzites except in few places,
where unaltered shales and sandstones are seen. Quartzite, quartz-schist, sericite-quartz
schist, sericite schist and phyllites are the predominant rocks, but hornstones, jaspers and
hematite quartz-schists some of which were formed after the deposition of the sediments, also
do occur in the Togo series. These series/range are bounded by two major thrust: one, with
the Dahomeyan contact at its eastern margin, and the other at its western contact with the
Cape Coast granitoid complex rocks, the Voltaian and the Buem sediments. The thrust fault
along the western flank has been referred to as the Western Boundary fault and that along the
eastern margin as the Eastern Boundary fault. Both faults separate rocks of different
lithologic facies. It must be noted here that the East Boundary fault is largely tectonic.
The Togo Beds have been subjected to intense directed pressure metamorphism, resulting in
intense folding, fracturing and faulting. Isoclinal folding with the axial planes of the folds
inclined to the east south-east at 30- 60is the rule. Recumbent folds with dips of less than
30 sometimes occur. There is no evidence of the intrusion of igneous rocks into this series in
Ghana. Metamorphism in the Togo series range from green schist to amphibolite faces.
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Vegetation type is mainly grass with few shrubs at the marshy areas of the site. There is
Pokuase forest reserve located within the north-eastern section of the project catchment.
Soil Type
The basic soil type within the catchment area is largely silty- clay with some sections
dominated with gravel type soil. Permeability of this type of soil is moderately low resulting
in fairly high surface run-off rates.
4.4 Water Resources

4.4.1 Water Resources
A tributary of the Nsakyi River locally called Sunkwa Stream traverses the project site. The
stream takes its source from the Guako sacred grove. It flows south westwards across the
Accra-Kumasi highway through the project site to join the Nsakyi River near the railway
crossing at Akyiato. The Nsakyi River then flows into the Densu River and ultimately
empties into the Gulf Guinea. Water tankers draw water from this river to be sold for
construction and some domestic purposes.
Other sources of water in the project area include pipe borne, boreholes and wells. Except for
the communities that enjoy pipe borne water, most of the people depend on borehole water,
hand-dug well water, streams and rivers.
After construction, some portion of the road is expected to disturb the course of the stream
therefore the stream will be re-aligned and engineered to enable it to flow freely.
4.4.2 Water Quality

As the only water body within the immediate project zone the physical, chemical and
biological parameter of the Sunkwa Stream was analyzed. Table 10 shows the results for the
water samples taken from the side closest the Grove (Side A) and the other side of the road
(Side B). Based on the results, it is concluded that the Sunkwa stream is unsuitable as a
drinking water source.
Table 10: Water quality of Sunkwa Stream
Unit of
Characteristics Parameter Measurement Side A Side B *Standard
Turbidity NTU 5.00 8.94 5
Colour(apparent) Hz 2.50 2.50 -
Physical Tot. Sus. Sol (SS) mg/l <1.00 <1.00 15-
Tot. Dis. mg/l 407 365 100
Conductivity
Solids(TDS) S/cm 740 664 0-
Acidity (PH) pH 7.29 7.54 6.5-8.5
Potassium mg/l
units 5.20 4.90 30
Sodium mg/l 48.3 33.6 200
Calcium mg/l 41.7 41.6 200
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Magnesium mg/l 22.2 13.3 150

Chloride mg/l 97.3 97.3 250
Ammonia(NH4- mg/l <0.001 <0.001 0.00-
Chemical Total
N) Iron mg/l 3.54 0.147 0.3
1.5
Sulphate (SO4) mg/l 11.3 16.3 250
Manganese mg/l 0.154 0.352 0.4
Phosphate (PO4- mg/l 0.091 0.139 -
Nitrate
P) (NO3-N) mg/l 0.046 0.039 10
Nitrite (NO2 -N) mg/l 0.066 0.061 1.0
*Faecal Coliform cfu/100ml 186 465 0
Biological *Total Coliform cfu/100ml 930 1488 0
* E.coli cfu/100ml 93 372 0
Total Hetero. cfu/100ml 312 1872 500
Bacteria
Source: Laboratory Analyses of collected samples at Water Research Institute, Accra on 04/03/2015 *WHO Limits Standards are actually Ghana Standard (GS175-1)
4.5 Environmental Monitoring Methodology

Particulate matter and noise levels were monitored at the proposed project location for
twenty-four (24) hours. The proposed project site was being use as a taxi rank and a parking
place for water tankers. There were also food vendors various temporary structures for
different activities.
4.5.1 Air Quality

Information on baseline air quality gives an indication of existing levels of ambient air
quality parameters in order to evaluate the impact of additional emissions from the
constructional and operational phases of the project on the environment. The levels will also
be the reference for the continuous assessment of possible impacts of the project on the air
quality of the receiving environment.
Particulate matter was sampled using MiniVol samplers set to a flow rate of 5 L/min.
Samplers were placed at a minimum height of 5 meters above ground level to prevent the
collection of ground level dust temporarily made airborne by gusting winds.
Pumped air was siphoned through a quartz filter paper, mounted in the sampling unit and
sampling undertaken for 24 hours at each sampling location. The quartz filter paper was
stabilised for a minimum of 24 hours before and after sampling in a desiccator.
The fresh quartz filter paper was weighed before sampling. After the 24-hour sampling
period, post sampling filters were weighed and the difference in weight (W2-W1) was used to
calculate the concentration of the particulate matter in g/m3 using the formula below.
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Table 11 shows ambient Particulate matter (PM) and Total Suspended Particles (TSP) in
comparison to the EPA levels. The PM10 and TSP levels measured at the ACP junction were
both lower than EPA standards.
Table 11: The PM and TSP levels at ACP Junction were measured
LOCATION PM10 (g/m3) TSP (g/m3)
ACP Junction 62 116
Permissible EPA 70 230

3
Guidelines level (g/m )
Baseline line information for gaseous emissions is not presented but provisions will be made
in the ESMP for additional baseline data.
4.5.2 Noise
A decibel (dB) is the unit for the measurement of noise. The zero on a decibel scale is at the
threshold of hearing, the lowest sound pressure that can be heard on the scale according to
smith: 20 dB is whisper, 40 dB the noise in a quiet office, 60 dB is normal conversation, 80
dB is the level at which sound becomes physically painful.
Noise measurements/recordings were taken with a High Precision 3M Sound Level Meter,
Model Type 1. The sound level meter has an inbuilt calibrator, and was calibrated before
measurement/recordings were taken. The noise meter was calibrated at 114 dB (A) prior to
the measurement.
Ambient noise levels recorded were above the EPA standards (Day) which is consistent with
the high commercial activities and traffic situation observed at the area.
Table 12: Ambient Noise levels (dBA) recorded at ACP Junction February 21, 2015
LOCATION LEQ L10 L50 L90 LMAX EPA
STANDARDS(Commercial
or light industrial areas)
ACP 68.3 68.5 67.9 67.7 84.2 60

JUNCTION
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4.6 Population and Settlement
4.6.1 Population
The population of the Ga West Municipality is estimated around 262,742 with 49 % being
male and 51% female.
Table 13: Population of Ga West Municipality

Sex Ga West
Number %
Male 128,727 49.0
Female 134,015 51.0
Total 262,742 100
(Source: GSS, 2010 PHC)

The population of the three main communities that surrounds the proposed project area is
captured in the table above. The Pokuase community had the highest populace with 14,223
people followed by Kwabenya with 5,827 people. The community with the lowest
population, Ayawaso had an estimated population of 5,527 people.
Table 14: Population size of the studied communities
Communities Population Size
Pokuase 14,223
Ayawaso 5,527
Kwabenya 5,827
(Source: GSS, 2010 PHC)
4.6.2 Settlement
There are a number of settlements located along the project road. The communities within the
project sphere of influence are predominantly urban and peri-urban. These are located within
the north western/western corridor of Accra. Residential densities in these communities range
between medium to high. Their populations are those to experience the various impacts as a
result of the project; e.g. loss of farms and properties, dust pollution, accidents, etc.
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4.7 Land Use

The land use pattern identified in the project sphere is commercial and residential. The
commercial and services area is characterised by shops, market, micro financial institutions
and fuel stations.
4.8 Economic Activities

The Ga West municipality has three major economic sectors consisting of agriculture,
industry and commerce. In the Agriculture sector, farming is the major economic activity for
about 55% of the economically active population. About 70% of the rural population depends
on agriculture as their main source of livelihood with about 95% of them being small holders.
The main agricultural activities include cassava production (supported by the governments
Roots and Tubers Improvement Programme), fishing and pineapple production. The main
challenges to agriculture production are inadequate market opportunities for farmers to sell
their produce, continuous loss of existing farmlands to sand winners, estate development and
private housing projects.
The industrial sector covers varied activities such as the production of mineral water,
aluminium products and also mining and quarrying of large deposits of sandstone, clay and
laterite materials are carried out for the construction industry. In addition, telecommunication,
banking facilities and other infrastructure facilities exist to serve as catalyst for the rapid
development of the Municipality.
The construction sector (estate development) is also fast growing. With the enormous
deposits of natural building materials of high quality coupled with large tracts of undeveloped
lands especially in the rural areas of the municipality, the municipality has become a
favourite area for estate development.
With commerce, the municipality is most characterized by petty trading which involves sale
of food stuffs, provisions, clothing etc.
4.9 Guako Sacred Grove
4.9.1 General Description

The Guako Sacred Grove, which currently covers an area of about 14ha, is located at Pokuase
in the Ga West Municipal Assembly of Ghana. The grove derives its name from the Guako
god introduced into the forest several decades ago. The current grove is a remnant of a once
floristically rich and diverse natural forest. It is made up of a partly degraded forest which
serves as the source of the Sunkwa stream.
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The land on which the forest is found belongs to the people of Pokuase and all cultural and
religious rituals for the Guako forest is performed by the chief priest of Pokuase. The
Pokuase Traditional Authority is the traditional custodian of the grove however the forest is
under the jurisdiction of the Ga West Municipal Assembly (GWMA) who passed a resolution
that seeks to protect the forest from further degradation (attached in annex).
Figure 6: Map Showing Guako Sacred Grove
4.9.2 Biological Features
4.9.2.1 Flora
The area has emergent broken canopy with very thick undergrowth of climbers, `twine and
ropes. The notable vegetation in the grove consists mainly of Onyina (Ceiba pentandra),
Mahogany (Khaya senegalensis), Odum (Melicia eselsa) and Wawa (Triplociton
scleroxylum), Lucina (Leucaena leucocephala), Cassias (Cassia sp), and Teak
(Tectona grandis). Natural regeneration occurs in the forest but at a low rate. The areas close
to and along the Sunkwa stream are predominantly marshy with species such as oil palm
(Elaeis guineensis) and ferns. Poles of Celtis spp also occur within the grove.
4.9.2.2 Fauna
The grove serves as feeding, breeding and roosting grounds for birds of different species
which make up the majority of the wildlife currently occurring in the area. The forest which
once served as home for several species of animal now supports only a small fraction of the
previous animals that existed in the past(Table 15). Both the species diversity and abundance
of wildlife in the area is therefore very low. Although the forest in the grove presented a
suitable habitat for the hinged tortoise (Kinixys sp) and the marsh terrapin (Polemedusa
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subrufa), none of these species were seen during the field surveys. There was no presence of
UICN-red listed species.
Table 15: Wildlife Species encountered in the sacred groove during field surveys
Common Name Scientific Name Mode of
Identification
S H C
Mammals
Giant Gambian Rat Cricetomys gambianus +
Ground Squirrel Euxerus erythropus +
Avifauna
Cattle egret Babulcus ibis +
Black kite Milvus migrans +
Blue-billed malimbe Malimbus nitens +
Little Green Woodpecker Campethera maculosa +
Pied Crow Corvus albus +
Senegal Coucal Cebtropus senegalensis + +
Northern Black Flycatcher Malaenornis edolioides +
Village weaver Ploceus cucullatus +
Velvet-mantled drongo Dicrurus modestus +
Reptiles
Agama lizard Agama agama +
Invertebrates
Praying Mantis Mantis religiosa +
Dragonfly Unidentified +
(S-Sighted/ Seen; H- Hole made by animal for refuge; C- Calls heard from bird)
4.9.3 Significance/values of the forest
4.9.3.1 Cultural
The Sacred Grove houses the Guako deity which is known to be the protector of the people of
Pokuase. He is a blacksmith who provides the people with farming and hunting tools when
they request for such. He is celebrated every year, one week after Easter. During this time the
chief priests and people perform rituals to worship the god and ask for favours.
4.9.3.2 Socio-Economic
The socio-economic importance obtained from the sacred grove come in many and diverse
forms. The reservoir from which the tankers siphon water for sale in Pokuase and its environs
is fed by the Sunkwa stream which takes its source from and meanders through the sacred
grove.
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Figure 7: Water abstraction points for tankers

Although it is illegal by the proclamations of the by-laws made by the GWMA, the collection
of fuel wood in the form of live trees is an economic activity by some youth in the area.
These individuals collect the wood from the forest for sale within the Pokuase Township
thereby making their living from the sacred grove.
The Guako sacred grove provides food for the local communities in the area. It contains a lot
of naturally occurring oil palm (Elaeis guineensis). The oil palm is harvested by individuals
of the community mainly for food. The forest has also been a source of snails to the local
community for so many years even though the bigger snails are not allowed to be picked for
cultural reasons. Picking of snails still takes place in the forest but on a smaller scale than
before. Rats (Cricetomys gambianus) and squirrels (Euxerus erythropus) that inhabit the
sacred grove are also hunted by the locals for food and for sale.
Figure 8: Rat hole dug out by humans during hunting of the animal.
Some medicinal leaves can also be found in the sacred grove. These are collected by the chief
priest to cure several diseases that occasionally afflict the local people. The bark of trees such
as Mahogany (Khaya senegalensis) from the sacred grove is also used as medicine by locals.
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4.9.3.3 Threats to the Grove

The Guako sacred grove currently faces threat of elimination primarily emanating from
anthropogenic activities. The rapid growth of population and its associated demand for
settlement poses the greatest threat to the existence of the forest.
Figure 9: Map Showing Degraded Portion of Forest
The forest is currently surrounded by several infrastructures which gradually cause the
degradation and shrinkage of the forest through gradual encroachment.
Majority of the local people in Pokuase now are not very concerned with the management of
the forest and this could be attributed to factors such as:
The infiltration of foreigners (non Pokuase indigenes) who have no regards for the
Guako shrine,
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The rise of western religion (e.g. Christianity, Islam) which threatens the traditional
beliefs and practices, and
The lack of education on the history and cultural importance of the Forest.
Consequently it brings about the usurping of the powers of the traditional authorities and
selling of land to private developers.
However, there are some Pokuase locals who still worship the Guako god and so have a
religious interest in the conservation of the sacred grove.
Noise was also very audible within the forest mainly from vehicular movement on the Accra
-Pokuase road. Noise in the area was a source of disturbance to most of the animals in the
forest and could have contributed to the low numbers and diversity of wildlife observed in the
area.
4.10 Traffic
There are several modes of transport within the project area; these include both the motorized
and the non motorized means of transport. Motorized transport includes; cars, buses, trucks,
motorbikes, heavy trucks, while the non-motorized transport include bicycles. Traffic Studies
were done on three sections of road; Accra-Nsawam, Awoshie-Pokuase, ACP junction-
Kwabenya to determine the annual daily traffic. The results are presented below;
Table 16: Annual Daily Traffic by Road
ROAD SECTION ANNUAL DAILY TRAFFIC(vpd)
Accra-Nsawam 33,774
Awoshie-Pokuase 4,286
ACP junction-Kwabenya 12,597
Congestion within the project area could be attributed to the fact that the present transport
infrastructure and network system is insufficient to handle the traffic demand.
4.11 Railway line

A Railway line is located on the face of the hill on the left hand side of the Accra-Kumasi
Road, which also serves as the approach for the Awoshie-Pokuase Road. It is also close to the
Accra-Kumasi Road with the farthest section being only about 150m from the road. Along a
section of the Accra Kumasi road south bound the railway comes close to within 50m of the
road with properties sandwiched between them.
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The design has been made to ensure that one of the proposed ramps Awoshie- Nsawam exit
ramp) can fly over the existing railway line before descending to connect to the middle tier
bridge. A crest curve of 180m is the optimal available length to ensure that there is adequate
vertical clearance between the ramp and the existing railway underpass.
4.12 Public Utilities

There are some power transmission, water and telecommunication lines that are found within
the project area. There may be the need to relocate these high tension lines via realignment to
enable the interchange to be located at the proposed location.
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5.0 ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED
5.1 Introduction
Projects such as road construction that may have effects on the built and natural environment
always raise issues of concern and alternatives of such projects are always necessary. The
reason is to assess the effects of these alternatives on the environment against expected
benefits. Two main project alternatives have been considered and they are:
No Project Development Option; and

Engineering Intervention Option.
5.2 No Project Development Option

This alternative implies that the proposed interchange will not be created and that the traffic
situation will be left to become worse over time. After the construction of the new Awoshie-
Pokuase a tremendous influx of vehicles is expected. If the project is not implemented,
however, it is anticipated that traffic volumes will continue to grow at a rate of 7 percent for
the first fifteen years (2018-2032) and then stabilize at 5 percent for the next ten years (2033-
2042).
This will affect the smooth movement of vehicles to and from the affected area. Travel on
these roads will continue to be slow and commutation times will increase drastically with the
no option alternative.
The topography is such that the Accra-Kumasi Road is in a valley, bordered on both sides by
steep hills. The steepest is the ACP Estate approach (approximately 9%). Vehicular accidents
occurring as a result of the steepness of the ACP Kwabenya road will persist and possibly
increase. Police reports state that a total of 163 accidents have occured on the Accra Pokuase
road from August, 2014 to July, 2015 of which 37 have been fatal.
Pedestrian accidents will occur due to the lack of road safety measures. The health of the
people will be affected because vehicular emissions and noise levels are expected to increase
due to anticipated traffic congestion.
5.3 Engineering Intervention Option

In a bid to solve the problems presented in section 6.2, DUR has engaged a Consultant to
provide a consolidated and harmonized design under the Accra Urban Transport Project (AUTP)
Phase 1.
The Consultant, Associated Consultants Ltd, proposed Seven (7) number Interchange
schemes (Table 17) to be considered by the Client and all stakeholders at the feasibility stage
of the project.
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The Client, Department of Urban roads in consultation with key stakeholders and based on
technical, economic, environmental and social factors, opted for the 3-Tier Signalised
interchange.
Table 17: Description of Intersection/Interchange Schemes
No. Proposed Scheme Features

Segregated left and right turning lanes, semi-
1 At-Grade Signalized actuated signal control, with concurrent
pedestrian phase
3-Tier Interchange with Rotary Rotary intersection at Tier 2 to facilitate left-

2 intersection turn movements from all approaches
3-Tier Interchange with Signalized Signalized intersection at Tier 2 to facilitate

3 intersection left-turn movements from all approaches
Loop ramps for left-turning traffic from

Awoshie and Kwabenya approaches. Left-
4 Partial Cloverleaf turning traffic from Accra and Nsawam
approaches to utilize existing U-turns on
Nsawam Road
Loop ramps for left-turning traffic from all

5 Full Cloverleaf
approaches
Direct ramps for left-turning traffic from

Awoshie and Kwabenya approaches. Left-
6 Directional (3 levels) turning traffic from Accra and Nsawam
approaches to utilize existing U-turns on
Nsawam Road
Direct ramps for left-turning traffic from

Semi-Directional Accra and Nsawam approaches. Loop ramps
7 for left-turning traffic from Awoshie and
(3 levels)
Kwabenya approaches
The Consultants employed two (2) main Models for the economic analysis and evaluation of
the project for the 25 years following its completion, as per the TOR. These models
comprise:
Excel model for the selection of Bridge type, (structure and type of material), and
The Highway Development and Management Investment Model, (HDM-4), for the
selection of the best project functional scheme/option, utilising the traffic operations
on the influence area road network system
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All the project schemes/options were found economically feasible. An Incremental benefit-
cost analysis was then performed to compute the Incremental benefit-cost ratio, (IBCR), to
assess the most feasible project scheme/option.
Based on the results, The Consultants recommended the following interchange options for
consideration based on the results of the Economic evaluation:
3-Tier Rotary interchange
3-Tier Signalised interchange, and
Full Clover Leaf interchange
Environmentally and Socially, The Full Clover leaf option was not selected due to the
following major reasons:
One of the loops would occupy the Sacred Grove, which accommodates the Guako
and therefore could not be touched.
The Clover leaf requires much more space than the 3-Tier Signalised interchange and
needs a lot of appropriation of properties.
Technically, a comparison of performance for the schemes was done in order to access their
level of service. Table 18 shows a comparison between 3-Tier Rotary and 3-Tier Signalized
schemes over the 25years design period (2019-2043 inclusive).
Table 18: Comparison of 3-Tier with Signal and Rotary (2019-2043)

Year Year Year Year Year Year Year Year Year Year
Scheme 1 5 6 7 10 11 12 15 20 25
(2019) (2023) (2024) (2025) (2028) (2029) (2030) (2033) (2038) (2043)
3-Tier Rotary 1035. 2210. 5564.
6.9 15.8 30.9 99.9 581.8 786.0 9940
Delays (s) 3 1 4
Level of
Service A C D F F F F F F F
(LOS)
3-Tier Signal 1933. 4410.
7.9 9.7 11.2 13.9 31.7 56.5 98.8 536.3
Delays (s) 6 5
Level of
Service A A B B C E F F F F
(LOS)
Note: Intersection LOS based on Intersection Delay
The results reveal that the 3-Tier Signalized scheme would perform better than the 3-Tier
Rotary scheme from the fifth year of operation (2023). The 3-Tier Rotary scheme will
deteriorate to LOS F by the seventh year of operation (2025), while the 3-Tier Signalized
scheme will deteriorate to LOS F five years after (2030). This indicates that the 3-Tier
Signalized scheme would perform at acceptable Level of Service for a relatively longer
period.
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5.4 The Preferred Alternative

The advantages to be derived from the road improvement alternative outweigh the
disadvantages of the No Project Development Option. Although there are environmental
implications associated with the improvement alternative, appropriate mitigation measures
would be implemented to control them, thus justifying the case for implementing the project.
The most important benefits that can be derived from the construction of the interchange
include the following among others:
Anticipated traffic volumes will be reduced considerably.

Vehicular accidents will be minimised
Safety of pedestrians will be enhanced due to the creation of pedestrian walkways
Increased comfort and convenience
Health of residents is enhanced
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6.0 POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS

From baseline information gathered at the fieldwork phase and issues that transpired during
the consultation with stakeholders, the impacts of the project particularly during the
construction phase are assessed.
6.1 Potential Positive Impacts Constructional Phase
6.1.1 Employment and Income

The project is expected to create opportunities for both skilled and unskilled labour. These
may include engineers, masons, block layers, carpenters, food vendors, etc. Security persons
will be needed to safeguard contractors equipment, construction materials, and supplies.
Other activities such as surveying, road marking, and traffic regulation will also create jobs.
Labourers may be hired from the project environs and will be beneficial to the communities.
The presence of a labour force will also increase economic and employment opportunities for
residents through the sale of goods (such as food/drink, crafts, wood etc.) and other services.
6.1.2 Enhance skills for Local Artisans

The local artisans like the carpenters, masons, welders, will have the opportunity to be trained
by the contractor. This training will enhance their skills on the job and push them to a higher
level in their field or career.
6.1.3 Increase revenue for the Municipal Assembly

During the construction phase trucks carting materials to the site will be required to pay toll
which will bring some revenue to the assembly. Revenue can also be generated by the Ga
West Municipal assembly from traders who sell or trade around the project site to workers
through ticketing.
6.2 Potential Positive Impacts Operational Phase
6.2.1 Improved Regional Economy

The project would lead to an overall upgrading of the socioeconomic setting of the area. It is
expected that the rehabilitation of the road will provide socio-economic benefits to the project
area since, apart from the Greater Accra region; the project road forms a major link to
Ashanti and Eastern Regions. The project would thus impact positively on the regional
economy, as accessibility and commercial activities would be enhanced thereby facilitating
regional economic integration.
Although construction activities will cause temporary delays in public and private transport,
access to services and facilities should be improved in the long-term through greater
reliability and, possibly increased availability of public transport. Public and private transport
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opportunities should improve because of faster travel speeds, reduced frequency of

breakdown, and lower maintenance costs.
The interchange also has a potential to enhance appreciation of land and property values in
the road section and the immediate neighbourhoods. Among the appreciation will include
value addition to commercial and economic investments, potential for institutional
development and attraction for residential housing development.
6.2.2 Road Safety, Accidents and Comfort

In view of the high volume of pedestrians in the vicinity of the proposed interchange, the
issue of facilities for pedestrians has been included in the design to cater for their needs.
These facilities include provision of walkways parallel to the various roads and Pedestrian
crossings. Also considered are bicycle lanes which will be contiguous with the Awoshie-
Pokuase road as well as ramps. These will ease safe movement and usage of the road by a
majority of the residents, especially school children, the elderly, women and the disabled
people.
The design also seeks to eliminate the steepness or poor vertical alignment that is experienced
at The ACP junction, thereby reducing the occurrence of vehicular accidents at that point.
6.2.3 Vehicle Operating and Transportation Costs

The project has potential to benefit road users through reduced vehicle maintenance costs and
delays. Fuel savings will be realised as moving from Awoshie through Pokuase towards
Accra or Kumasi after the interchange has been constructed will be much easier. The effect
on overall vehicle operational costs is positive and significant for the local and regional users
in the operation phase.
The road will provide an alternative route for vehicular traffic currently using the Pokuase-
Achimota route to access the western parts of Accra and beyond, and vice versa. This will
make tremendous savings on general fuel consumption and reduction in vehicular emission
pollution, by avoiding the traffic-congested Pokuase-Achimota-La Paz route. It will also
improve the transportation system between the two nodal towns (of Pokuase and Awoshie)
and adjoining settlements, by opening the area up.
6.2.4 Improvement in Traffic Congestion

The development of the interchange is expected t o deal with the potential bottleneck on
the Accra- Kumasi Highway that will arise from the construction of the Awoshie-Pokuase
road. If the interchange is not constructed, traffic congestion and delays will increase at the
intersection of the Awoshie-Pokuase and Accra Kumasi road. An interchange will ensure
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uninterrupted flow of traffic on the Accra-Kumasi road as well as between Pokuase ACP and
Awoshie.
6.3 Potential Negative Impacts Construction Phase
6.3.1 Water Resources

The largest impact on water quality is expected to be on the Sunkwa Stream. Construction
activities generate spills and other waste which when improperly disposed may pollute the
stream. Surface run-off from construction sites and camps may include but not necessarily
be limited to hydrocarbons such as waste oil and lubricants. In addition, discharge of
wastewater from construction camps will also contribute to polluting the stream.
6.3.2 Soil Erosion and Sedimentation

Road construction will intensify the effects of natural soil erosion due to vegetation removal,
soil disturbance, and exposure of bare soil surface. If appropriate measures are not taken, the
increased erosion loss could be significant over the construction period.
6.3.3 Air Quality

The major sources of air pollutants are the emissions from construction machinery and dust
from moving vehicles not only in the working area but also along roads to borrow pits, sand
pits as well as disposal sites for spoils and waste. Major air pollutants (dust, gaseous
emissions and particulate matter) produce air pollution and impact adversely on human
health, flora and fauna and on the built environment.
These impacts are considered negative and significant, especially to residential and
commercial establishments located close to project during the construction phase mitigation
measures are required to reduce the impacts on air quality within the project area. Dust
pollution from construction activities will however cease in the operation phase.
6.3.4 Noise and Vibration

Construction activities that occur in heavily populated areas expose inhabitants to loud levels
of noise. Uninterrupted movement of heavy and light vehicles at high speeds may cause
increase in ambient noise levels on the project road. It may have negative environmental
impacts on the sensitive receptors close to the project road
During the construction phase of the road, the major sources of noise pollution are vehicles
transporting the construction material to the construction yard and the noise generating
activities at the yard itself. Mixing, casting and material movement are primary noise
generating activities in the yard and will be uniformly distributed over the entire construction
period. Construction activities are anticipated to produce noise levels in the range of 80 - 95
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dB (A). The construction equipment will have high noise levels, which can affect the
personnel operating the machines.
The noise likely to be generated during excavation, loading and transportation of material
will be in the range of 90 to 105 dB (A) and this will occur only when all the equipment
operate together and simultaneously. This however is a remote possibility. The workers in
general are likely to be exposed to an equivalent noise level of 80 to 90 dB (A) in an 8-hour
shift.
6.3.5 Landscape Modification

Excavations quarry and borrow materials stockpiling as well as the parking of construction
equipment are also expected to take place during the construction phase. The impact of such
on the aesthetic and visual quality and value of the landscape is thus considered negative.
However, the interchange itself will add some aesthetic value to the area.
6.3.6 Traffic Congestion

Travellers and commuters may experience possible inconvenience on the road diversions
during the construction period. The traffic diversion could result in traffic blocks, increased
periods of waiting and traffic accidents. There could also be dangerous driving conditions
where construction vehicles interfere with local traffic on existing roads. The impact on road
users would be significant and negative.
6.3.7 Construction Camps

Temporary construction camps will be required for storing construction vehicles, equipment,
fuel and road-building materials. Establishing new construction camps may involve the
bulldozing and levelling of a piece of ground, and erection of temporary housing units. This
could destroy an area, leading to obvious consequences on soil erosion and water quality, if
the camp is poorly sited and or constructed. Indiscriminate dumping of engine oils, fuel,
lubricants or other solvents can contaminate soil and leach into subsoil water. Construction
workers are not expected to live on site therefore it would not be necessary to provide them
with housing facilities. They will most like commute from their own homes.
6.3.8 Construction Wastes

Non hazardous solid wastes (excavated materials, domestic solid waste), and liquid wastes
would be generated whilst rehabilitating the road. Poor sanitation and solid waste disposal in
construction camps and work sites are likely to have negative impacts on human health. The
improper handling and disposal of construction wastes would have a negative impact on the
environment.
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6.3.9 Public Utilities

Public utilities along the project road include water pipelines, telecommunication lines and
electricity cables. Overhead high tension lines run along the road at sections of the project
area. Construction of the interchange is likely to result in the temporary disruption in utility
supply to areas along the project road as well as others serviced by these lines. The impact
on provision of service from the public utilities in the construction phase is negative.
6.3.10 Disturbance to Guako Sacred Grove

The project zone is located close to the Guako Sacred Grove. The project will encroach on
about 0.096 ha of the forest land as shown in fig 9. This encroachment would however not
cause much problem as most of the road structures will be constructed above the forest.
Figure 10: Map showing Interchange impact on Grove.
Construction activities often lead to the influx of people who will be employed in various
sectors of the construction. This might lead to a profanation of the shrine by workers who
have no regard for the shrine. Local people of Pokuase may take advantage of the intense
activity surrounding the forest to illegally harvest wood for fuel.
6.3.11 Land Acquisitions and Relocations

Within the ROW, a total of three hundred and twenty three (323) Project Affected Persons
(PAPs) were captured / interviewed on one-on-one basis for both the 10km Local Roads
Upgrade and the Pokuase Interchange Project. This was made up of 144 PAPs identified on
the Pokuase Interchange Project and 179 PAPs on the 10 Km Local Roads Upgrade. For the
Pokuase Interchange, the total number of properties to be affected by the project was Two
hundred and fifty (250).
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There are also a group of mechanics, taxi drivers and water tanker operators within the
project ROW who must be relocated because their activities are incompatible with the
proposed project interventions. This displacement may lead to a loss of business causing
inconvenience.
There are two auto mechanic shops with a total of 6 mechanics situated on the project site.
According to the mechanics they were given temporary permission by the traditional
authority to occupy their current location which is about 0.2 acres.
The Water Tanker drivers who are forty (40) in number c o l l e c t water from the stream to
sell for construction activities and domestic activities aside drinking.
The most visible activity on site is the vehicle operators (taxi drivers) with a membership of
forty-one (41). This group with has been operating from the site for the past 13 years. The
land was allocated to them by the elements within the traditional authority. The taxi rank
covers an area less than 0.3 acres. They ply Haatso, Atomic, West Legon and Madina.
The cut-off date for enumeration of PAPs was on the 31st December 2014. A notice of cut-
off date was re- distributed to the PAPs on the 24th March, 2015(Attached in Annex).
6.3.12 Vehicular-Pedestrian Conflicts

Conflicts will occur between the pedestrian traffic and the activities at the working area.
Such conflict will be most pronounced in the settlements. The safety of vehicular road users
and pedestrians may be endangered by an increased risk of accidents resulting from collisions
with road-building equipment or unsafe road conditions. The impacts are considered to be
significant and negative in the construction phase. Mitigation measures are therefore
required in the construction phase.
6.3.13 Public Health

Stagnant water in excavated places near the road is a health hazard to nearby residents since
they serve as breeding sites for vectors of disease such as mosquitoes which transmit malaria.
An influx of construction workers into the area could increase the risk of spreading sexually
transmitted infections (STIs) and AIDS to inhabitants.
6.4 Potential Negative Impacts Operational Phase
6.4.1 Drainage
The project is in a low lying area which is usually inundated when it rains. The project will
include large sections of paved surfaces which inhibit drainage and will further increase the
risk of flooding.
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6.4.2 Land Use Changes

During the operational phase, several land use changes may occur which may lead to the loss
the main objectives of easing traffic flow. Among the effects include;
Potential unplanned developments along the corridors attracted by easy transportation.

Increased demand for residential, schools, recreation facilities and health facilities
effects on public resources.
Potential increase in traffic flow and categories into the areas.
6.4.3 Health, Safety and Security

The construction of the interchange will allow higher traffic speed which may have
subsequent impacts such as;
Elevated noise levels to the residential, commercial and institutional facilities

Potential increased road accidents as the road users adapt to new road use trends
Potential immigration of business, institutions and residential facilities
Potential increased demand on available sanitation and hygiene facilities along the
corridors
Increased chances of higher infections and spread of HIV/AIDS and other
communicable diseases
6.4.4 Interchange may be used as event poster wall / board

Churches, schools, politicians and other event organizers for the past years had used foot
bridges and interchanges in the country as event poster boards where events such as crusade,
convention, political rally, obituary and other programs are pasted to the public. These
posters gets stuck to the walls and become very difficult to remove and hence rescinds the
beauty of the footbridge. The proposed Pokuase interchange may not differ from such
situation if appropriate measures are not taken.
6.5 Climate Change

During the construction and operation phase, vehicle emissions containing greenhouse gases
will be generated. Quantities generated will depend on type, age and number of equipments
used during construction while operation-phase emissions will depend on traffic volume.
These emissions would have a negative effect on local air quality and on global climate
change.
The expected increment in greenhouse gases during the construction and operation phases
could not be calculated due to the lack of local emission factors.
6.6 Cumulative impacts

The overall objective of the project is to enhance urban mobility, promote efficient,
affordable transport services along the project area , improve livelihoods of people in the
project area of influence and to ease traffic congestion from Accra to Kumasi and vice versa.
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Other transport related interventions in the same region include the Awoshie-Pokuase road
and the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). These interventions are complementary to the project and
may enhance the positive impacts.
Some positive cumulative impacts are stated below;
An improvement in travel will be observed as travel time will be reduced. This will
especially be beneficial in terms of enhancement of accessibility and commercial
activities thereby facilitating regional economic integration
Efficient vehicular movement arising from an improvement in travel may also lead to
a reduction in emissions, especially CO2. Cumulatively, this will contribute to Climate
Change mitigation,
Safety of the road users also stands to be improved. With the provision of NMT
facilities, additional routes, enhanced signage and information, cases of road accidents
will be significantly reduced.
The ongoing project will have some negative cumulative impacts as well:
Running projects may pose increased social risks with respect to among others
HIV/AIDS, drug trafficking security and other social challenges unless strategic and
appropriate mitigation strategies are formulated to guide all the projects.
The interchange also has a potential to enhance appreciation of land and property
values in the road section and the immediate neighbourhoods. Among the
appreciation will include value addition to commercial and economic investments,
potential for institutional development and attraction for residential housing
development. The situation may not get an immediate back up of necessary amenities
including water supplies, sanitation, access roads, drainage systems and power.
The above are indicators of cumulative impacts associated with the ongoing transportation
related projects in the area. Those associated with future developments cant be determined
because the Municipality assembly lacks an Urban Development Master plan.
6.7 Summary of Impacts

Table 17 summarizes the impacts by providing a description and an assessment of identified
impacts.
The methodology developed to assess and evaluate the significance of the impact is based on
the following criteria:
The type of effect i.e. positive or negative
Duration and or frequency of occurrence i.e. short term, long term
Sensitivity of the impact under consideration in a geographical context i.e. whether it
is international, national, regional or local as defined in Table 19
The magnitude of the impact; whether it is high, medium or low.(Table 20)
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Effects are considered to be major, minor or negligible and can be negative or positive.
Where positive impacts are identified mitigation is not required.
Table 19: Geographical Context and Policy Importance
Geographical Context Topic Definition

International Important at global, African or trans-
boundary levels
National Important in the context of Ghana
Regional Important in the context of Greater Accra
District Important in the context of the Ga West
Local Important in Pokuase
Table 20: Magnitude Criteria

Magnitude of effect Negative effects Positive effects
High Widespread community concern. Widespread community
Failure to meet legal compliance benefit.
requirements. High contribution to
Fatality or serious health safety or prevention of
disability. fatalities.
Severe or possibly irreversible High level of technology
damage to an important transfer.
ecosystem or resource. Prevents serious damage
to an important ecosystem
or resource.
Medium Local community opposition and Contributes to local
levels of complaint. development and
Regulatory concerns. economy.
Lost time injury or short term Provides confidence to
health effects. regulators.
Medium term damage to an Prevents medium term
ecosystem or resource. damage to an ecosystem
or resource.
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Magnitude of effect Negative effects Positive effects

Low Minor community opposition or Low level of community
complaints. support.
Able to comply with legal Economic benefits not
requirements. distributed locally.
Local/minor health effects
requiring short-term treatment.
Short-term, minor damage to an
ecosystem or resource.
As a guide Table 21 presents a significance evaluation tool which calculates the significance
of the effect by a combination of importance/ sensitivity and magnitude.
Table 21 : Evaluation of Significance of Effect
Sensitivity of Magnitude of Impact

Impact Low Medium High
International Minor / Major Major Major
National Minor / Major Major Major
Regional Minor / Major Minor / Major Major
District Negligible / Minor Minor / Major Minor / Major
Local Negligible Minor Minor / Major
Table 22: Summary of Environmental and Social Impacts
IMPACT DESCRIPTION ASSESSMENT

POSITIVE IMPACTS- CONSTRUCTION PHASE
Employment and Income Job opportunities will be Extent: Local, District ,regional
created for both skilled
and unskilled labour Duration: Temporary and Short term
Magnitude: H i g h
Evaluation: Major
Enhance skills for Local The local artisans will Extent: Local, District, regional
Artisans have the opportunity to
be trained by the Duration: Long Term
contractor enhancing
their skills on the job Magnitude: M e d i u m
and pushing them to a
higher level in their field Evaluation: Minor
or career.
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Increase revenue for the Revenue can be Extent: District

Municipal Assembly generated by the Ga
West Municipal Duration: Short Term
assembly from traders
who sell or trade around Magnitude: M e d i u m
the project site to
workers through Evaluation: Minor
ticketing.
POSITIVE IMPACTS- OPERATIONAL PHASE
Regional Economy The Project would lead Extent: Regional
to an overall upgrading
of the socioeconomic Duration: Long term
setting in the area.
Appreciation of land and Magnitude: H i g h
property values in the
road section and the Evaluation: Major
immediate
neighbourhoods will be
enhanced
Improvement in Traffic The development of the Extent: Local and Regional
Congestion interchange is expected
to deal with the Duration: Long term
potential bottleneck on
the Accra- Kumasi Magnitude: H i g h
Highway that will arise
from the construction of Evaluation: Major
the Awoshie-Pokuase
road.
Road Safety and Comfort Design includes facilities Extent: Local, District and Regional
for the safety of
pedestrians. Duration: Long term
The design also seeks to Magnitude: H i g h

eliminate the steepness
or poor vertical Evaluation: Major
alignment that is
experienced at the ACP
junction, thereby
reducing the occurrence
of vehicular accidents at
that point
Vehicle Operation and Fuel savings will be Extent: Local, District and Regional
Transportation cost realised as moving from
Awoshie through Duration: Long term
Pokuase towards Tema
or Kumasi will be much Magnitude: H i g h
easier.
Evaluation: Major
NEGATIVE IMPACTS- CONSTRUCTION PHASE
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Water Quality Spills of potential Extent: Local, District and Regional

contaminating materials
during construction Duration: Temporary and Short term
could impact on Sunkwa
Stream Magnitude: H i g h
Evaluation: Major
Air Quality Dust will be generated Extent: Local, District and Regional
during the construction
activities. Duration: Temporary and Short term
Emissions from Magnitude: H i g h

construction vehicles
and equipment. Evaluation: Minor
Soil Erosion Road construction will Extent: Local
intensify the effects of
natural soil erosion due Duration: Temporary and Short term
to vegetation removal,
soil disturbance, and Magnitude: M e d i u m
exposure of bare soil
surface Evaluation: Minor
Landscape Modification Aesthetic and visual Extent: Local

quality deteriorate due
to excavations, Duration: Temporary and Short term
stockpiling of materials,
etc. Magnitude: l o w
Evaluation: Negligible
Land Acquisition and Residential and Extent: Local
Relocation commercial
establishments and Duration: Long term
activities found in the
right of way of the Magnitude: H i g h
project will be destroyed
and relocated Evaluation: Major
Disturbance to Guako The project may utilize Extent: Local
Sacred Grove land adjacent to Guako
Grove. Duration: Long term
Human traffic may lead Magnitude: M e d i u m

to disturbance of the
forest Evaluation: M a j o r
Traffic Congestion Normal flow of traffic Extent: Local, District and Regional
will be disrupted during
the construction Duration: Short Term
period.
Magnitude: H i g h
Increase in commutation
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time during Evaluation: Major

construction.
Vehicular Pedestrian The safety of vehicular Extent: Local, District and Regional
Conflicts road users and
pedestrians may be Duration: Short Term
endangered by an
increased risk of Magnitude: S i g n i f i c a n t
accidents resulting from
collisions with Evaluation: Major
construction vehicles and
equipment or unsafe road
conditions.
Noise and Vibration Construction activities Extent: Local
involving heavy duty
machinery, vehicular Duration: Short Term
movement, vehicle horns
etc, will increase ambient Magnitude: M e d i u m
noise levels and
vibration beyond the Evaluation: Major
immediate project
corridor
Construction Camps Improper construction of Extent: Local

camps may destroy an
area, leading to obvious Duration: Short Term
consequences on soil
erosion and water Magnitude: M e d i u m
quality.
Evaluation: Minor
Construction Waste Large quantities of Extent: Local
construction wastes
would be generated Duration: Short Term
whilst rehabilitating the
road. Poor sanitation Magnitude: H i g h
and solid waste disposal
in construction camps Evaluation: Minor
and work sites are likely
to have negative impacts
on human health.
Public Health Stagnant water in pools Extent: Local, District and Regional
near the road is a health
hazard to nearby Duration: Long Term
residents since they serve
as breeding sites for Magnitude: H i g h
vectors of disease.
Evaluation: Major
Increase risk of
spreading sexually
transmitted infections
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(STIs) and AIDS to

rural inhabitants.
Public Utilities Public utilities along the Extent: Local
project road include
water pipelines, Duration: Short Term
telecommunication lines
and electricity cables Magnitude: M e d i u m
will be relocated
resulting in disruption of Evaluation: Major
utility services
NEGATIVE IMPACTS- OPERATIONAL PHASE
Drainage The project is in low Extent: Local, District
lying area which is
usually inundated when Duration: Long Term
it rains. The project will
include large sections of Magnitude: H i g h
paved surfaces which
will further increase the Evaluation: Major
risk of flooding.
Land Use Changes During the operational Extent: Local
phase, several land use
changes may occur Duration: Intermittent
which may lead to the
loss the main objectives Magnitude: M e d i u m
of easing traffic flow
Evaluation: Minor
Health, Safety and The construction of the Extent: Local, District and Regional
Security interchange will allow
higher traffic speed Duration: Long Term
which may have
subsequent impacts on Magnitude: H i g h
health safety and
security Evaluation: Major
Interchange may be used Event Organizers may Extent: Local
as event poster wall / paste posters which will
board degrade beauty of the Duration: Intermittent
interchange.
Magnitude: M e d i u m
Evaluation: Minor
6.8 Potential Environmental and Social Impacts of Community Development

Project
These ancillary projects will also have some positive and negative environmental impacts
which are described below.
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6.8.1 Positive Impacts

Table 23: Potential Positive Impacts of Community Development Projects
IMPACT DESCRIPTION ASSESSMENT
CONSTRUCTION PHASE
Employment and income Job opportunities will be Extent: Local, District
created for both skilled and ,regional, national
generation unskilled labor
Duration: Temporary and
Short term
Magnitude: H i g h
Evaluation: Major
Skills development for Local The local artisans will be Extent: Local, District,
Artisans offered the opportunity to regional, national
have hands on and on the
job training to build and Duration: Long Term
develop their skills.
Magnitude: M e d i u m
Evaluation: Major
Increase revenue for the Revenue can be generated Extent: District
Municipal Assembly by the Ga West Municipal
assembly from traders who Duration: Long Term
sell or trade around the
project site to workers Magnitude: M e d i u m
through ticketing.
Evaluation: Major
OPERATIONAL PHASE
Improved healthcare delivery Construction of new Extent: Local, District,
mortuary and male and regional, national
female surgical wards will
ensure that the
communities receive Duration: Long Term
quality healthcare.
Magnitude: H i g h
Evaluation: Major
Improved education standards Construction of new Extent: Local, District,
schools will serve the regional, national
educational needs of the
communities and its
neighbors, thus increasing Duration: Long Term
literacy rates.
Magnitude: H i g h
Evaluation: Major
Pedestrian and cyclist safety Construction of foot Extent: Local, District,
bridges for pedestrians will regional, national
ensure that safety of
pedestrians and reduce the
incidence of pedestrian Duration: Long Term
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accidents with vehicles.

Cyclist lanes will reduce Magnitude: H i g h
rates of vehicle-cycle
collisions.
Evaluation: Major
Improved transport systems Newly constructed bus Extent: Local, District,
terminal will alleviate regional, national
inconveniences associated
with commuting in and out
of the community. Duration: Long Term
Magnitude: H i g h
Evaluation: Major
Improvement in trading and Construction of new Extent: District
markets will provide a
commercial activities permanent place of trade Duration: Long Term
for pavement and street
hawkers thus freeing the Magnitude: M e d i u m
pavements for pedestrian
use. Evaluation: Major
Improved water supply Provision of water tanks Extent: Local, District,
and drilling of boreholes Regional
will provide support to
existing water supply
channels and enable a Duration: Long Term
more extensive potable
water supply within the Magnitude: H i g h
communities.
Evaluation: Major
Enhance Computer Literacy Provision of I.T. Extent: Local, District,
Equipment and training Regional
will lead to:
Duration: Long Term
Increase in computer and
I.T literacy levels among Magnitude: H i g h
young girls in the
communities to receive Evaluation: Major
the support.
Improved general literacy

levels among young girls
in the communities
6.8.2 Negative Impacts

Table 24: Potential Negative Impacts of Community Development Projects
IMPACTS DESCRIPTION ASSESSMENT MITIGATION
CONSTRUCTION PHASE
Air Quality Dust will be Extent: Limited Regular watering of
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generated as a result and exposed surfaces

of construction Local. Covering of trucks
activities such as Duration: and vehicles hauling
excavations, and Temporary sand and aggregates
movements of and Short term for construction.
construction Magnitude: High Regular maintenance
trucks. and servicing of
Evaluation: Major vehicles and
Emissions from machinery.
machinery and
vehicles used in
construction will
affect air quality.
Soil erosion Road construction Extent: Local Plan and execute earth
will intensify the works with due
effects of natural Duration: diligence to prevent soil
soil erosion due to Temporary and erosion
vegetation Short term
removal, soil
disturbance, and Magnitude: Low
exposure of bare
soil surface Evaluation: Minor
Traffic congestion Normal flow of Extent: Local, Road diversions will be
traffic will be District and created to ease traffic
disrupted during Regional and remove further
the construction inconveniences
period. Duration: Short
Term
Increase in
commutation time Magnitude:
during Medium
construction.
Evaluation: Major
Noise and Vibration Construction Extent: Local Plan and execute the
activities involving works so that it does not
heavy duty Duration: Short become a nuisance to
machinery, Term the general public
vehicular where possible.
movement, vehicle Magnitude:
horns etc, will Medium
increase ambient
noise levels and Evaluation: Major
vibration beyond
the immediate
project corridor
OPERATIONAL PHASE
New road effect Driving at unsafe Extent: Local Safe road use
leading to accidents speeds on a newly sensitization campaigns
completed road Duration: Short should be done.
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would pose Term

accident risks with Magnitude:
possible loss of Medium
lives and goods.
Evaluation: Major
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7.0 MITIGATION MEASURES AND COMPLEMENTARY

INITIATIVES
The following mitigation measures have been considered as the most suitable to reduce the
negative impacts that the project may result in.
7.1 Mitigation Measures Construction Phase
7.1.1 Water Quality

The contractor must ensure that waste chemical substances that can potentially contaminate the
Sunkwa stream are disposed of properly and away from the stream. Fuel trucks servicing
equipments and vehicles on site will be obliged to carry at all times, anti spill trays and a supply
of suitable material, such as sawdust, for absorption of minor spills. Where possible, buffer zones
of vegetation should be provided between work sites and water bodies.
7.1.2 Soil Erosion and Sedimentation

Earthworks should be planned and executed with due diligence to prevent soil erosion.
7.1.3 Air Quality

Dust generated during construction can be reduced by periodic watering of exposed surfaces,
and/or by enforcing lower speed limits within the work zone. Trucks carrying and transporting
sand and other construction materials must be well covered. The contractor must also make sure
that the equipment and vehicles used are in good condition to ensure minimal emissions. Regular
monitoring of PM, TSP, COx, NOx, etc should be done during construction.
7.1.4 Noise and Vibration

The project implementation agency, the Department of Urban Roads must educate and ensure
that the contractor controls pollution and maintain construction equipment regularly in
accordance with the manufacturers specifications with particular regard to control of noise. The
contractor is expected to plan and execute the works so that it does not become a nuisance to the
general public where possible. Mixing plants would be located at least 500m from any
community along the project roads. Contractor will be prevented from working in settlement
areas after the hours of darkness. Construction workers should be provided with relevant safety
gear including ear plugs at all times while at work and enforces application.
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7.1.5 Landscape Modification

The contractor must endeavour to avoid cutting down of trees where possible. The interchange
will be landscaped to add some aesthetic value to the areas around it. Some shrubs and grass will
be planted in the median whilst trees are planted along the sides of the road. The cost of these is
estimated at GH 383,320.00 (detailed budget in annex). The Parks and Gardens department will
be in charge of this horticultural work and will be contracted to maintain it for 6 months. After
this time, DUR will be in charge of the maintenance.
7.1.6 Traffic Congestion

In order not to disrupt movement of people unduly as a result of the contractors activities, the
contractor should inform the public and road users about the road works and any access
problems through meetings, road signs, the media and any other means. In addition, a
construction traffic diversion plan has been developed by the consultant as presented below.
7.1.6.1 Traffic Diversion during Construction

Motorized and non-motorized traffic within the project zone is very significant and as such
managing their movement through the construction zone is critical. A detailed traffic
management plan will be prepared by the Contractor based on their construction work
programme and sequence of activities to be reviewed by the Consultant.
The Consultant will ensure that traffic management is done jointly with the relevant road
agencies, the local authorities and the Contractor with a view to keeping inevitable traffic
disturbances and safety hazards to a limited extent.
Recommendations for staging of construction works and the likely traffic diversion routes are
presented in the following sections.
7.1.6.2 Components of the Interchange Design

The interchange components include the following:
i. Tier 1: Accra-Kumasi Road

The existing divided dual carriageway will be raised slightly and widened to include a
two-lane service road in either direction. The widening will also include approach and
exit ramps leading to and from the main road to the middle tier.
ii. Tier 2: Signal-controlled intersection
This will comprise a bridge deck and ramps for the approaches, exits and slip roads.
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iii. Tier 3: Awoshie-Kwabenya Road

This will comprise a bridge over the middle tier connecting the Kwabenya Road and the
extension of the Awoshie-Pokuase Road. The existing single carriageway Kwabenya
Road will be widened to a divided dual carriageway and will include approach and exit
ramps towards the middle tier. The Awoshie-Pokuase Road extension will also include a
railway tunnel.
Standards and Specifications for Traffic Management
All traffic management and safety measures will comply with the following standards and
specifications:
i. Standard Details for Signs and Markings for Urban and Trunk Roads (Ministry of
Transportation), 1991
ii. Draft Review of the Ministry of Transportations Signs and Markings Standards
(Ministry of Transportation), April 2007
iii. Guidelines for the Signing at Road Works (Ministry of Transportation) September 2007
iv. Road Reservation Management: Manual for Coordination, June 2001
v. Standard Specification for Road and Bridge Works (Ministry of Transportation) July
2007
vi. Design Guidelines for Traffic Calming Measures (Ministry of Transportation) February
2008
vii. Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, MUTCD (USA Department of
Transportation), 2009
viii. Road Traffic Act-2004, ACT 683.
7.1.6.3 Staging of Construction Works and Traffic Diversion

In order to minimize interruptions to the flow of motorized and non-motorized traffic within the
project zone, the Consultant proposes that construction works be staged as presented in Table 25.
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Table 25: Staging of Construction Works and Traffic Diversion

STAGE CONSTRUCTION WORKS PROPOSED TRAFFIC DIVERSION ROUTES
Stage 1 Ramp 1 and Ramp 2 piers and decks No diversion of traffic on Accra-Kumasi Road
Tier 1 approaches on Awoshie Road and Kwabenya Road piers and Clear routes for Ramp 3 and Ramp 4 and divert traffic to and from Kwabenya
decks onto these routes
Stage 2 Awoshie-Pokuase Road extension Clear routes for Ramp 5, Ramp 6, Ramp 7 and Ramp 8 (along Accra-Kumasi
Tier 3 piers and bridge deck Road) to divert traffic around bridges work zone
Tier 2 columns and bridge deck Cordon off bridges work zone
Earthworks for Tier 1 Divert pedestrian crossing away from work zone
Pedestrian underpass
Stage 3 Awoshie-Pokuase Road extension Re-divert traffic back onto main Accra-Kumasi Road
Ramp 3, Ramp 5, Ramp 6, Ramp 7 and Ramp 8 piers and decks Re-direct traffic to and from Kwabenya Road along Ramp 4 route
Retaining walls and earthworks for approaches to ramps
Stage 4 Awoshie-Pokuase Road extension Divert northbound traffic on Accra-Kumasi road onto southbound lane
Retaining walls and earthworks for Accra-Kumasi Road (northbound) Divert traffic to Kwabenya onto Ramp 3 and Ramp 5.
Connection between Tier 2 bridge deck with Ramp 3 and Ramp 4 Divert traffic from Kwabenya along Ramp 4 and onto the Old Pokuase Road
piers and decks through to join the Accra-Kumasi Road at the Pokuase junction
Widening on main Kwabenya Road Re-direct non-motorized traffic under pedestrian underpass
Stage 5 Awoshie-Pokuase Road extension Divert southbound traffic on Accra-Kumasi road onto northbound lane
Retaining walls and earthworks for Accra-Kumasi Road (southbound) Divert traffic to and from Kwabenya onto Ramp 5, Ramp 3, Ramp 4 and
Widening on main Kwabenya Road Ramp 7
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The staging of works and traffic diversions are depicted in Figure 10 through to Figure 14
Figure 11: Traffic Diversion for Stage 1 Construction Works
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Traffic Control during Construction

The Consultant will recommend on-Site, off-Site and miscellaneous traffic management
strategies to control traffic during construction. Off-site strategies would be used where
construction will significantly impact the traffic flow away from the work
7.1.6.3.1 On-Site and Off-Site Traffic Management Strategies

Both on-site and off-site strategies would involve the application of the following:
Changeable Message Signs - These devices may be used where static sign messages
are not sufficient to accommodate the changing conditions of a work zone (e.g. lane
closures, ramp closures, to advise motorists of conditions for which they will need to
possibly react).
Additional Information Panel Signs - These signs may be used to give the motorists
additional information about a work zone.
Manual Traffic Control Police or authorized personnel would be required to control
traffic at affected intersections, especially during off-peak periods.
Temporary Work Zone Speed Limits - A reduced regulatory speed limit may be
warranted where work activity may constitute a hazard to traffic or workers.
Arrow Boards These may be used to supplement conventional traffic control
devices. They will be warranted where additional warning and directional information
is required to assist in merging and controlling traffic through and around the work
activity.
The construction site will affect the capacity of the existing roads. The extent the roadway is
occupied for work and safety purposes will determine the number of strategies required to
compensate for the loss of capacity. The following, however, include on-site capacity
strategies that would be recommended:
1. Temporary parking restrictions

2. Restriction of trucks
3. Turn restrictions
For off-site capacity improvements, additional improvements on the potential alternative

route(s) may be necessary for capacity reasons to accommodate the expected diversion of
traffic. These may be achieved through additional pavement width, removal of parking, turn
restrictions, and truck restrictions.
7.1.6.3.2 Miscellaneous (On-Site) Traffic Management Strategies

In addition to the above, the following miscellaneous on-site strategies would be
recommended during project execution:
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i. Incident Management Consideration would be given to the use of on-site tow trucks
for work zones with limited or no shoulders available. They would also be considered
where a crash or break-down will seriously impact the roadway and cause significant
backups and delays. Consideration would also be given to the provision of
Turnarounds for access through temporary concrete barrier and for tow trucks and the
Police to park.
ii. Police Patrols for Speed Control - Police patrols in work zones may be required to
ensure vehicular speeds are at or below the posted speed or for other safety reasons.
This typically will require coordination with the MTU of the Police Department.
iii. Pedestrians The project area is characterized by medium to high level of pedestrian
activity. Pedestrian access would also be provided during construction. This will
require providing temporary crossing points, sidewalks, protection from drop-offs,
etc.
7.1.7 Construction Camps

Sites for camps shall be done in consultation with the local authority and local community;
this will help to deal with social upheavals. The camp sites should be located away from
residential areas. The contractor shall provide adequate office accommodation for his own
staff and those of the Engineers representative, workshops for his own use and those of his
workers. Facilities to be provided should be maintained up to adequate standards.
7.1.8 Construction Wastes

The contractor must ensure that construction wastes are disposed off in an appropriate
manner and location. The construction site must also be served with waste disposal facilities
for domestic solid waste and toilet facilities should be provided on site for use by workers.
7.1.9 Public Utilities

Affected utility providers will be consulted to plan and realign displaced utility services, as
well as discuss possible means of providing services in the interim to reduce inconveniences
as much as possible. Public notices will be issued in advance to inform the general public
about possible disruptions. This report does not cover the relocation of the public utilities.
The assessment of possible relocation zones and relocation of utilities will be undertaken by
the following:
UTILITY ORGANIZATION RESPONSIBLE
High Tension Lines GRIDCO
Water Lines Ghana Water Company Limited(GWCL)
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Telecommunication Lines Telecommunication companies
7.1.10 Disturbance to Guako Sacred Grove

To prevent profanation of the grove, the Contractor is expected to sensitize his workers on the
presence of the shrine and importance of the grove. It is expected that the grove will be
fenced and trees replanted in the degraded portions of the forest to protect the grove from
intruders as well as to restore it. The replanting of the degraded portion is estimated at
GH42,824.00. Two alternatives for the fencing were considered; wire mesh and cement
blocks. The cost of the fencing is estimated at GH 67,960.00(wire mesh) or GH 126,440.00
(cement blocks). The pros and cons of both options are described below:
OPTION PROS/CONS
Pros: Cheaper compared to Cement blocks
WIRE MESH Cons: Forest can be broken into as wire
mesh can easily be cut.
Pros: Forest cant easily accessed
CEMENT BLOCKS Cons: More Expensive Compared to wire
mesh.
Based on discussions with the Pokuase Traditional Authority and Amasaman Forestry
Commission it is highly recommended that the cement block option be chosen.
7.1.11 Land Acquisitions and Relocations

All those who are found within the ROW of the project should be given an advance notice to
vacate. A full Resettlement Action Plan would be done prior to commencement of the road
which will include a comprehensive compensation process. Persons whose properties and
land found in the projects right of way that will be relocated or destroyed will be adequately
compensated accordingly.
It is estimated that compensation on Pokuase Interchange will cost GH3,963,505.00.This

figure was obtained through the Property Impact Assessment Study conducted by the
Consultant, which is subject to verification by the client and the Land Valuation Division of
the Lands Commission.
7.1.12 Alternatives for taxi and tanker drivers

The road link between the Tanker drivers and Pokuase Township will be developed as part of
the interchange construction to pass under the ACP- Kwabenya road. This means the tankers
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can still access their water source and find a way to their various destinations through the
network of roads that will be developed.
The Taxi drivers may also operate under the bridges where the proposed pedestrian walkway
across the Accra - Kumasi Highway will be linked through tunnels. These are still being
finalised in the geometric design.
7.1.13 Vehicular-Pedestrian Conflicts

The contractor shall establish traffic and safety barriers, proper makers and signage where
required. Appropriate speed limits should be put up as visibly as possible to allow for drivers
to slow down especially when approaching the construction site.
7.1.14 Public and Occupational Health and Safety

Pools of stagnant water around the construction site must be filled to prevent mosquitoes
from breeding in them. DUR will be responsible for organising AIDS and STIs awareness
campaign at construction camp and settlements along the road corridor. Injuries resulting
from falling from heights and falling objects, as well as from the (mis) use of equipment and
tools, cuts from stepping on sharp objects such as nails and other metal off-cuts and injuries
resulting from clashes between vehicles and the workers as they both operate within the same
space are likely to occur during the implementation of the project.
This impact is considered significant since it affects human lives and would therefore require
adequate mitigation measures. The Contractor must also implement a comprehensive
Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) policy.
7.2 Mitigation measures Operational Phase
7.2.1 Drainage
The project design will include an engineered line storm drain of 3.0m x 2.0m to convey all
run-offs to an appropriate outfall. In order to reduce the peak at the outfall section, an
engineered earth storage receptacle has been designed to receive the peak discharge near the
receiving outfall culvert. This storage can also be used by the tanker services.
7.2.2 Land Use Changes

The successful mitigation of this impact rests greatly on the GWMA. They should enforce
land use zoning regulations in the municipality.
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7.2.3 Health, Safety and Security

Road safety awareness campaigns should be organized to sensitize people on road
safety and protection of the road signage and information.
Ensure improvement and protection of signage, guard rails and other features that
contribute to road safety
Strict monitoring compliance with traffic use and speed limits
Enhanced Information and awareness of HIV/AIDS
7.2.4 Interchange may be used as event poster wall / board

GWMA must make sure that they call to order the perpetuators of such acts by fining them.
They could also provide adequate event poster boards at vantage point or places for such
activities at a moderate fee.
7.3 COST OF MITIGATION MEASURES

Table 26: Mitigation measures and Cost
IMPACT PROPOSED COST OF MITIGATION

MITIGATION
NEGATIVE IMPACTS- CONSTRUCTION PHASE
Water Quality Preventing contamination For Contractor, no separate cost item
of surface water bodies for clauses in contract documents.
and ground water.
A cost of GH 41,600 is estimated for
EPA monitory and supervisory role.
Air Quality Periodic watering of
exposed surfaces.
Enforcing lower speed
limits within the work For Contractor, No separate cost item
zone for clauses in contract documents.
Cover all trucks hauling
materials
Equipment and vehicles A cost of GH 201,226.94
used are in good condition
to ensure minimal is estimated for EPA monitory and
supervisory role.
emissions.
Regular monitoring of
PM, TSP, COx, NOx, SOx
etc should be done during
construction.
Baseline measurement of GH 2000 estimated for baseline
COx, NOx, SOx measurements.
Soil Erosion Plan and execute earth No separate cost item for clauses in
works with due diligence contract documents
to prevent soil erosion
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Landscape Modification Shrubs and grass will be The cost of which is estimated at
planted in the median GH 383,320.00. Cost to be included in
whilst trees are planted contract documents.
along the sides of the road.
Land Acquisition and Proper and adequate An amount of GH3,963,505.00 is
Relocation compensation promptly estimated for the compensation of
paid to the land and structures based on Consultants
property owners. P roperty Impact assessment.
Payment should take Cost to be included in contract
place before structures are documents
taken over by the project.
The road link between the
Tanker drivers and
Pokuase township will be
developed as part of the
interchange construction
Alternative For Taxi and to pass under the ACP-
Water tanker drivers Kwabenya road
Cost to be included in contract
The Taxi drivers will
documents
operate under the bridges
where we will link the
proposed pedestrian
walkway across the Accra
- Kumasi Highway
through tunnels
Disturbance to Guako Sensitization of workers No separate cost item for clauses in
Sacred Grove on the presence of the contract documents.
shrine and importance of
the grove. Cost included in total GH 62,400 of
EPA compliance monitoring cost
Possible fencing and The replanting of the degraded portion
restoration of Sacred is estimated at GH42,824.00 whilst
Grove. that of the fencing is at GH 67,960.00
(wire mesh) or GH 126,440.00
(cement blocks).
Traffic Congestion A Construction Traffic

Diversion Plan drawn up
by Engineer to be
implemented by No separate cost item for clauses in
contractor. contract documents
A detailed Traffic
Management Plan should
be drawn up and
implemented by
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contractor.
Road diversions should be Cost to be included in contract

created documents
Vehicular Pedestrian Post Traffic Signs and
Conflicts warnings. No separate cost item for clauses in
Implement Speed limits at contract documents.
construction site
Noise and Vibration Maintain construction
equipment regularly to
control of noise. For Contractor, no separate cost item
Plan and execute the for clauses in contract documents.
works so that it does not
become a nuisance to the
general public where A cost of GH 80,000.is estimated for
possible. EPA monitory and supervisory role.
Provision of appropriate
gear for workers.
Construction Camps Ensure that the For Contractor, no separate cost item
construction camp are for clauses in contract documents.
carefully sited and
arranged to minimise their Cost included in total GH 62,400 of
impact. EPA compliance monitoring cost.
Construction Waste Ensure proper disposal of For Contractor, No separate cost item
construction waste for clauses in contract documents.
Provide toilet facilities for
workers Cost included in total GH 62,400 of
EPA compliance monitoring cost.
Public Health Eliminating breeding sites
of disease vectors. For Contractor, No separate cost item
for clauses in contract documents.
Occupational Health & Cost included in total GH 62,400 of

Safety Plan EPA compliance monitoring cost.
HIV/AIDS Awareness Cost included in DUR total of f GH

programme/ Community 75,000.
Outreaches
Public Utilities Consult utility providers to Cost to be included in contract
plan and realign displaced documents.
utility services
NEGATIVE IMPACTS- OPERATIONAL PHASE
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Drainage The project will include an

engineered line storm
drain to convey all run-
offs to an appropriate Cost to be included in contract
outfall. documents
An engineered earth
storage receptacle has
been designed to receive
the peak discharge near
the receiving outfall
culvert.
Land Use Changes GWMA should enforce Cost included in GWMA total cost of
land use zoning GH 70,000 for acquisition of
regulations in the orthophotos.
municipality.
Road safety awareness

campaigns should be
organized to sensitize
people on road safety and
protection of the road
signage and information
Health, Safety and
Security Ensure improvement and
protection of signage,
Cost included in DUR total of f GH
guard rails and other
75,000.
features that contribute to
road safety
Strict monitoring
compliance with traffic
use and speed limits
Enhanced Information and

awareness of HIV/AIDS
Interchange may be used GWMA must make sure Cost to be included in contract
as event poster wall / that they call to order the documents
board perpetuators of such acts
by fining them. They
could also provide
adequate event poster
boards at vantage point or
places for such activities at
a moderate fee.
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7.4 Climate Change Mitigation

The upgrading of the current road network into an interchange will result in reduced travel
time and emission (CO2 and other greenhouse gases). More travelers can now use the faster
Pokuase Interchange with reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emission.
Trees will be planted along sections of the road and also in the Guako forest. The presence of
these trees will be necessary to capture CO2 from vehicular emissions.
7.5 COMPLEMENTARY INITIATIVES

The project designs will complementary initiatives that will improve socio-economic
conditions of the local communities.
7.5.1 Prevention of the Spread of Diseases

The spread of HIV/AIDS among project workers and communities during construction is one
of the main health risks. The project design shall include sensitization programs of the
dangers of HIV/AIDS through prevention and awareness campaigns; and through linkages
with local NGOs and Health Authorities in the project area as well as creating the capacity
for continuous prevention and awareness campaigns for road users.
7.5.2 Road Safety Education Campaigns

Considering that the road project shall upgrade the road network, an increase in speed and
volumes motorized traffic is expected. Road accidents, especially for children and young
adults (operating motor cycles), would potentially increase. The project will include road
safety educational campaigns for road users, communities and school children. In addition,
the technical designs will include of speed calming measures, adequate signage, separation of
motorized and non-motorized traffic especially in built up areas, among others.
7.5.3 Tree planting

Trees are likely to be felled during the construction phase and as a compensatory measure the
contractor is expected to plant four trees for every tree that will be felled. As a way of
reviving the Guako forest, about 6000 trees will be planted in the degraded section of the
forest.
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8.0 EXPECTED RESIDUAL EFFECTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL

HAZARD MANAGEMENT
8.1 Residual Impacts

With the implementation and strict adherence to mitigation measures it is expected that
residual impacts will be of low significance.
There are however some positive residual impacts that can be realised:
Economy is expected to grow with the influx of people and the provision of goods
and services.
There will be increased awareness of health and safety issues.
The traffic situation will be improved.
8.2 Environmental hazard management

The failure of environmental mitigation can result in serious impacts such as erosion,
increased road accidents and disruption of the community lifestyles. Construction of a road
also involves occupational health and safety risks to road workers, primarily in the areas of
storage and handling of materials, and operation of heavy machinery. The anticipated risks in
this project include:
1. Exposure to excessive dust particles or toxic fumes from bitumen and other chemicals
used in road works;
2. Potential collapse of trenches;
3. Risk of accidents involving passing traffic;
4. Risk of rock falls during blasting;
5. Risk of fuel spills and therefore contaminating water bodies.
The risks can be mitigated to a large extent through:
1. Strengthening staff skills and training in environmental management;

2. Monitoring environmental actions and responsibilities and making provision for
remedial actions;
3. Planning for remedial measures in case initial planned actions are not successful;
4. Limiting time of exposure to dust particles, chemicals and noise;
5. Provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
6. Establishing safety and inspection procedures in materials handling, operating heavy
equipment and constructing trenches; and
7. Safe handling of chemicals and explosives.
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8.3 Environmental Emergency Response Plan

An emergency response plan should be put in place to deal with environmental /public health
emergencies associated with accidents. An area will be designated as assembly point in the
event of emergencies where all activities will be halted and workers move to the assembly
points in an orderly manner. Whiles the emergency services are contacted. Where first aid
must be administered, a trained first aider will carry it out whilst arrangements are made with
the health facility for the injured to be taken to.
The best way to avert any emergency is through prevention. However there are emergencies
which are beyond prevention such as natural disasters. All workers will be given
environmental and safety inductions to enable go about their respective duties in a safe and
environmental sound manner. Appropriate PPEs must be provided to assist in dealing with
environmental, health and safety issues. Individual responsibilities will call for everyone to
be alert when going their duties.
Further training will be given to workers working for instance at a height. Personnel from fire
service will be contacted to give some fire drills, rescue and containment. Specialist first
aider will be contacted to train foremen on administering first aid in the event of emergencies.
All incidents will be recorded and investigated for corrective actions to be put in place to
avert/ prevent future occurrence.
When accidents occurs the person who caused it or finds it will take the following
environmental, Health & Safety Incident Recording Procedure presented below:
Table 27: Health and Safety Incident Recording Procedure

Action Responsibilities Comments
Assess the incident Person causing/ Refer to incident response plan. If incident
finding incident is significant or major call the Project
Manger
Identify materials and Person causing/ PPE can include gloves, safety boots,
obtain appropriate PPE finding incident goggles, nose musk and vest
Contain the incident or Person causing/ If pipe; close valve, if leak from oil drum;
put mitigation in place finding incident roll drum to produce leaks, if fire; raise
alarm, if accident; inform health personnel,
request for back up from supervisor
Inform Supervisor Isolate area and stop pedestrian and
foreman/supervisor vehicular traffic till further instruction
foreman/supervisor Foreman/ Foreman/ supervisor will follow standard
notifies site manger Supervisor/ Site incident response by contacting traffic
notifies E&S team Manger/ ESO controller. Notify key contacts and
emergency authorities as required
Determine cause of ESO For major incident call for assistance and
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Incident notify relevant supervisors

Protect adjacent areas Foreman/site Seal drain grates by putting sand bags or
from impact manger other works to mitigate the incident
Clean up or repair as Foreman/site Use appropriate absorbents on spills and
required manger repair damaged environmental controls
Dispose of wastes as Foreman/site Arrange for offsite disposal in accordance
required manger with EPA requirement
Inform environmental, ESO Record incident and review procedures.
health and safety and fill Report to emergency
incident log form. response/EPA/Police/Fire Service
EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS
Environmental Protection Agency 0302 664697-8
Ghana Police Service 191
Ghana National Fire Service 192
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9.0 STAKEHOLDER AND PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS
9.1 Overview
Stakeholder and public consultations is an essential part of the ESIA process. Both EPA
(Ghana) and AfDB require that stakeholders are consulted to seek their views and opinions
regarding the project before they are implemented. Through this process, stakeholders and the
public have an opportunity to contribute to the overall project design by making
recommendations and raising concerns. In addition, the process creates a sense of
responsibility, commitment and local ownership for smooth implementation of the project.
This was the objective of these consultation forums.
9.2 Objectives
The initial stakeholder consultations involved meetings with concerned individuals. The
objective was to inform them of the project as well as discuss the environmental and social
issues of the proposed interchange as well as the mitigation measures that would be
necessary.
Figure 16: Individual Consultations
The Stakeholders Forum was conducted on the 30th March 2015 at the EPA Conference
Room Amasaman branch. Formal invitations (sample invitation in annex) were sent out to all
the necessary stakeholders informing them of the meeting. The project background, design
concepts and social and environmental issues on the project were presented by the
Consultants to ensure appropriate information and awareness to all the participants.
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Figure 17: Stakeholders Forum
9.2.1 Schedule of Consultations

Table 28: Details of Consulted Stakeholders
STAKEHOLDER
ACTIVITY DATES LOCATION CONTACT
CATEGORY
27th February Ga West Ga West Municipal Hon. Dodoo
2015 Municipal Assembly(Presiding (0243157548)
Assembly Member)
th
27 February Forestry Forestry Commission Mr E.K.
2015 Commission Amasaman Branch Ntiamoah
Amasaman (District Manager) (0208300985)
Branch
th
17 March Pokuase Pokuase Traditional Mr Stephen
Individual Meetings 2015 Traditional Authority Dodoo
Consultations Palace (Elder) (0243117837)
th
17 March Pokuase Water Project Affected Person Mr Daniel Abeo
2015 Abstraction Point (Water Tanker Driver) (0243041735)
th
19 March Pokuase Project Affected Person
2015 Kwabenya Taxi (Taxi Driver)
Rank
th
19 March Department of Department of Urban Mr Ferdinand
2015 Urban Roads Roads Yali
(0233232345)
30th March, EPA Conference Government Contacts
2015 Room(Amasama Organizations included in
n) Chiefs annex.
MCE
Presentation of Representatives of
Designs to Project Affected
Stakeholders Persons
Others
(list of attendance in
annex)
Forestry Forestry Commission Mr E.K.
Commission Amasaman Branch Ntiamoah
Amasaman (District and Assistant (0208300985)
Branch District Managers) Mr. Sumaila
Alhassan
Individual
(0244485371)
Meetings/Consultati 8th April,2015
Department of Parks and Gardens Mr Haadi
ons
Parks and (Director) Medjida
Gardens (0245125074)
Amasaman
Branch
Environmental Environmental Health Mr D.K. Opare
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Health Department(Municipal (0244812500)

Department(Ga Environmental Health
West Municipal Officer)
Assembly)
Town and Town and Country Mr Nana
Country Planning Planning Department Kwame
Department(Ga (Municipal Director) Agyeman
West Municipal (0200103369)
Assembly)
9.3 Brief Outcomes from Consultations

STAKEHOLDER COMMENTS/CONCERNS /DISCUSSION
Hon. Dodoo The Guako Sacred grove which is

(0243157548) located within the project site may be
destroyed during construction.
Suggestion was that the grove be fenced
to prevent further destruction.
Disclosed that a Resolution had been
passed to protect the forest.
Concerned about the effects of
construction activities on quality of
Sunkwa Stream.
Mr E.K. Ntiamoah Discussed the state of the forest and

(0208300985) activities had led to the current state
Mr. Sumaila Alhassan Concerned about impact of the

(0244485371) construction on the sacred grove and the
quality of the Sunkwa stream.
Suggested that the grove be fenced and
that just one entry point be provided.
Discussed two options for fencing and
provided a cost estimate of both options.
Mr Stephen Dodoo Discussed history of Forest and the

(0243117837) ownership of the forest land
Suggested that the grove be fenced
(preferably with cement blocks if
financiers could afford it).
Suggested that forest be protected even
after fencing.
Discussed inconveniences that will be
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created by construction such as dust,

noise, traffic and accidents.
Mr Daniel Abeo Concerned about the effects of

(0243041735) construction activities on quality of
Sunkwa Stream.
Concerned about disruption of livelihood
Suggested that alternative location or
compensation be provided
Mr Haadi Medjida Discussed options for landscaping and

(0245125074) provided a cost estimate for landscaping
Mr D.K. Opare Discussed various environmental

(0244812500) challenges that would arise during
construction
Suggested possible mitigation measures
for the challenges
Stakeholders Consultation Minutes attached in annex
Those concerns that could be addressed immediately were addressed at the meetings but
those that couldnt be addressed were considered in the final designs and also in the ESMP.
Notice of cut-off date was distributed to the PAPs on the 24th March, 2015(Attached in
Annex).
9.4 Future Consultations

The initial consultations during the design phase and ESIA study should be followed by more
consultations during the construction and operation phases.
9.5 Summary of project appreciation and concerns

The outcome of the consultation with the various stakeholders and beneficiaries of the project
is summarized as follows:
9.5.1 Appreciation
Elimination of envisaged bottlenecks on the road network;
Complementary investment to the Awoshie-Pokuase road
Improved road conditions
Improved safety for users
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Reduction in occurrence of accidents;

Enhance urban scape and status of the municipality
Creation of employment during the construction phase of the project.
9.5.2 Concerns
As much as stakeholders appreciate the project, they also had concerns which are listed
below:
Disruption of livelihood
Prompt payment of adequate compensation;
Alternative provisions for Taxi and Tanker Drivers
Employment opportunities for the locals should be ensured.
Increased dust and noise pollution during the construction phase of the project;
Protection of water quality of Sunkwa Stream
Non-motorized structures to enhance Safety of pedestrians and passengers ;
Profanation of shrine by workers and the general public
Appropriate provisions to control traffic congestion during construction.
Road safety measures included in design.
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10.0 MONITORING
Environmental monitoring ensures that the impacts have been accurately predicted and that
mitigation measures are being implemented as planned and has the assumed effects. The
monitoring exercise will ensure that the remedial actions recommended in the assessment are
incorporated in the project and maintained throughout the operation life where appropriate. It
will also identify additional remedial measures and corrective measures or redesign remedial
measures if they are not sufficiently effective.
10.1 Construction Phase Monitoring Enforcement

All major stakeholders in the project have a monitoring responsibility of some kind.
However, only the Supervising Engineer, the Department of Urban Roads Environmental
Unit, The EPA, the Department Forestry and the Contractor are allocated specific and formal
monitoring obligations. Traffic Police, Health Authorities and other public authorities will
automatically monitor some of the effects of the project during their daily work.
Periodic interviews with the beneficiaries of the projects will also be undertaken to assess
their opinions about the effect of the implementation of the project.
Table 29: Summary of Monitoring Responsibilities and Output

Party Responsible Parameters to be Monitored Output
EPA Overall Environmental Performance of Regular monitoring to
the Project ensure compliance
Instructions to Contractor
and the Engineer
Department of Impact on Guako Sacred Grove Instructions to Contractor
Forestry and the Engineer
Overall Environmental Quarterly

DUR Performance of the Project Environmental reports
(Environment Unit) Community relations
Payment of appropriate
compensation
Construction methods and Monthly Environmental
The Engineer materials reports.
Environmental management of
construction sites Incident Reports as and
Implementation of mitigation when required (spills,
measures for air, water, soil, accidents and the like)
traffic, Occupational Health and
Safety, etc.
Environmental management of
construction camps
Contractors waste management
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Staged rehabilitation of impact

areas
Community relations
Environmental performance of
contractors equipment
Accidents (traffic, spills etc.)
Environmental performance of
mitigation measures
Environmental performance of Maintenance records
The Contractor equipment and plants
Implementation of interim and Accident Reports
permanent mitigation measures
Occupational Health and Safety Mitigating actions e.g.
measures sprinkling of water, traffic
Base Camp Management signs, safety barriers
Waste Management Plans
Air and Water quality
Accidents of any kind
Traffic nuisances Police reports and
Traffic Police Traffic safety measures instructions to Contractor
Traffic accidents
GWMA Specific duties for various Reports and instruction to
sectors of GWMA Contractor/DUR
Health Authorities Change of frequency of diseases Health reports.
Occurrence of new diseases in
the area
Local Communities Negative environmental impacts Complaints to Contractor
Social disturbance and Supervising Engineer
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11.0 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN
11.1 An Overview
The foregoing chapters of this report show that the project poses issues of concern related to
social and economic development as well as environmental conservation and for this reason,
a comprehensive management plan outline would be necessary on the project
implementation. This section documents a set of guidelines for implementing and
incorporating environmental management practices to minimise adverse environmental
impacts associated with the construction of the Pokuase Interchange. Its aim is to establish
environmental management standard guidelines for all parties involved in undertaking their
various tasks and responsibilities for the project.
The ESMP should take into consideration stakeholders desires and interests and be reviewed
continuously for the benefit of acceptability by stakeholders.
11.2 Guiding Principles

The guiding principles behind the road project are based on the national objective of
enhancing environmental, social and economic benefits to the affected persons as well as
sustainable national development and in compliance with the environmental laws. To achieve
these objectives, the project should be acceptable to the majority and ensure minimal effects
to the physical environment through integrated stakeholder consultations, evaluations and
review of the design aspects throughout the project route and a sustained monitoring of the
road upon commissioning.
11.3 Scope of the Management Plan

The scope of this environmental and social management plan (ESMP) is to give guidelines to
all parties involved during construction, maintenance and utilization of the road in fulfilment
of environmental and social requirements. The management plan has a long-term objective to
ensure that:
Environmental management conditions and requirements are implemented during the

construction and post-construction period;
The social interests of the stakeholders are considered throughout the construction and
post commissioning phases of the roads;
Maximum economic benefits to the project road corridors and the whole country; and
Precautions against damages to environment, biological diversity and sensitive
habitats
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11.4 RESPONSIBILITIES
11.4.1 General View

The Engineer is expected to discuss and convey the contents of this management plan,
recommended mitigation/interventions outlined under the impact, as well as the wishes of the
affected stakeholders to the Contractor and construction workers for integration in the
construction process. Stakeholders will need to be involved in the project monitoring
framework through good relations between the contractor and the stakeholders and through
timely information on the construction schedules, duration of construction works, potential
interference with their daily activities and other issues arising. This will also help in resolving
of problems related to construction and prevention of possible social conflicts associated with
the project. Communication channels should always be open to ensure proper and timely
responses to any complaints that may arise from the road project.
Specific responsibilities will be as follows:
11.5 Engineer
Table 30: Environmental Management responsibility of the Engineer
PROJECT PHASE No ENGINEERS RESPONSIBILITIES
Design 1 Design the project with the least negative environmental
impact during the operational life of the road
2 Design the project prescribing materials with the least negative
environmental impact
3 Incorporate any feasible traffic safety measures within the
project design.
4 Design environmentally friendly road drainage systems
5 Incorporate all suitable clauses requiring the contractor to
execute his work with due diligence and apply environmentally
friendly methods.
Such requirements must be accompanied by the necessary
methods for monitoring and accompanied by the necessary
methods for monitoring and enforcement. Clauses with
principle contents as minimum requirement.
Implementation 6 The Engineer will supervise and enforce the Contractors
performance on all environmental requirements included in the
Contract Documents.
7 The engineer will monitor the overall environmental impact of
the projects and recommend additional mitigation measures for
implementation when deemed necessary.
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11.6 Contractor
Table 31: Environmental Management Responsibilities of Contractor
PROJECT No CONTRACTORS RESPONSIBILITIES
PHASE
Mobilisation 1 Prepare a detailed Environmental Management Plan be approved
by the Engineer and EPA as stated in the contracts
2 Ensure that the management as well as site managers and foremen
are well informed about all environmental issues of the project.
3 Ensure that all site managers and foremen trained in
environmentally friendly construction methods
4 Ensure that all site managers and foremen are informed about the
cultural importance of the Guako sacred grove.
5 Ensure that all equipment mobilised fulfil the environmental
requirements of the contracts
6 Properly establish, operate and rehabilitate construction camp.
7 Obtain necessary approvals for all borrow pits
8 Establish a waste management plan covering all types of wastes.
Project Execution 9 Apply environmental requirement and construction methods.
10 Ensure occupational health and safety of all workers and visitors to
the site at all times.
11 Fulfil all environmental requirements of the Contract Documents.
12 Inform the Engineer if any unforeseen negative environmental
impact should occur.
13 Provide safe passage around or through the work site for all kinds
of traffic.
14 Ensure that all workers at his camp live responsibly with the
communities along the road corridor
15 Responsible for providing potable water to any community whose
water source is made unwholesome due to the project activities
until the water is made wholesome again.
16 Responsible for management of all types of waste generated from
construction activities, camps, quarries and borrow pits.
Demobilisation 17 Ensure that all affected project areas have been properly cleaned of
waste, graded and re-vegetated.
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11.7 Environmental and Social Officer

As part of the construction team of the contractor, an Environmental and Safety Officer
(ESO) is also required. The ESO will be an employee of the Contractor appointed to monitor
and review the on-site environmental and social management plan and implementation of the
ESMP. The ESO shall be on site daily throughout the duration of the project construction.
The ESOs responsibilities will include the following:
Assist Contractor in ensuring that the necessary environmental authorizations and

permits are obtained;
Maintain open and direct lines of communication between the Employer, Contractor,
Consultant and relevant institutions with regard to environmental matters;
Undertake regular site inspections of all construction areas with regard to compliance
with the ESMP.
Monitor and verify adherence to the ESMP at all times and verifying that
environmental impacts are kept to a minimum;
Take appropriate action if the specifications are not followed;
Assist the Contractor in finding environmentally responsible solutions to problems;
Undertake and monitor environmental awareness training for all new personnel
coming onto site;
Ensure labour protection equipments are of good quality and are available on site at
all the times;
Advise on the removal of person(s) and/or equipment not complying with the
specifications;
Recommend the issuing of fines for transgressions of site rules and penalties for
contraventions of the ESMP;
Implement works permit system and ensure the permit conditions for work are
followed strictly;
Keep detailed records of all site activities that may pertain to the environment.
Undertake a continual review of the ESMP and recommending additions; and
Compile a final audit report regarding the ESMP and its implementation during the
construction period, after completion of the contract and submitting this report to
the Employer.
11.8 EPA
The EPA is responsible for coordinating environmental issues in Ghana. The Agency is
expected to issue the necessary environmental permits and also to ensure that monitoring and
reporting requirements (as required by the EMSP and detailed management plans in
accordance with EPA standards and guidelines).
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Also they have to enforce any actions that may be needed to ensure environmental quality
standards are not breached and permit requirements are maintained.
11.9 DUR/CLIENT
The overall implementation, project supervision and monitoring falls under the purview of
the Environmental Unit of the DUR. It will be in charge of overseeing the implementation of
the ESMP. They also have to issue instructions and guidelines for the additional mitigation
measures to be included during project execution. Additionally they will also liaise with the
local health, road/ traffic and educational Authorities to plan awareness raising campaigns.
11.10 GWMA
The Ga West Municipal assembly can be seen as the general administrator during the
construction and operational phases of the project. The relevant departmental officers in the
Municipal Assembly would be called upon where necessary during the project construction
and operational phases to provide the necessary permits and advisory services to the project
implementers. Some of the areas where they will be required include:
Approving locations for establishing work camps;

Involvement in relocation of project affected persons along the road;
Liaising with the DUR in the project area to assist in the sensitization campaigns for
HIV/AIDS and Road Safety Sensitization;
Identifying locations for disposal of construction debris;
Issuing permits or relevant documentation for health and safety monitoring in
accordance with local health and safety legislation.
11.11 The General Public

The general public has no specific tasks in the ESMP, but their role is however important.
The public must express their concerns of the projects not only in the preliminary designs
phase but also whenever they are aware of previously unforeseen impacts or when impacts
take a different order of magnitude than expected. The public have an unwritten obligation to
inform the Engineer about such developments as early as possible. The public is also the
target of awareness raising campaigns to mitigate the negative impacts of the project.
11.12 Enforcement Mechanisms
11.12.1 General
The Contractors responsibilities are defined in the following clauses, to be incorporated in
the Contract Document.
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ASSESSMENT (ESIA)
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Clause 1:
The Contractor shall be responsible for familiarizing himself with all national and local
legislation relating to his/her activities during the construction phase of the project.
The Contractor shall be responsible for implementing all the mitigation measures proposed
at all sites under his control.
Clause 2:
The Contractor shall take all necessary measures and precautions and otherwise ensure that
the execution of the Works and all associated operations on the Sites or off-site are carried
out in conformity with statutory and regulatory environmental requirements of the
Government of Ghana and the Standard Specifications, where the more stringent shall apply.
The Contractor shall take all measures and precautions to avoid any nuisance or disturbance
arising from the execution of project activities. This shall, wherever possible, be achieved by
suppression of the nuisance at source rather than abatement of the nuisance once generated.
11.12.2 Environmental Clauses:

These clauses incorporated in the contract document could mitigate the negative impact of
the works:
Waste Disposal
Clause 3:
The Contractor shall at all times maintain all sites under his control in a clean and tidy
condition and shall provide appropriate and adequate facilities for the temporary storage so
as to avoid the unnecessary accumulation of waste;
Clause 4:
The Contractor shall be responsible for the safe transportation and disposal of all waste
generated as a result of his activities in such a manner as will not give rise to environmental
pollution in any form, or hazard to human or animal health. In the event of any third party
being employed to dispose of waste, the Contractor shall be considered to have discharged
his responsibilities under this clause only when he has demonstrated that the transportation
and disposal arrangements have not given rise to pollution or will give rise to health hazard;
Clause 5:
The Contractor shall be responsible for the provision of adequate sanitary facilities for his
workforce and that of his sub-contractors. The contractor shall not allow the discharge of
any untreated sanitary waste to groundwater or any surface watercourse. The Contractor
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ASSESSMENT (ESIA)
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shall provide details of sanitary arrangements to the Engineer for approval after satisfying
himself that the proposed facilities are adequate and are unlikely to pollute water resources.
Water Resources
Clause 6:
All water and other liquid waste products shall be collected and disposed of at locations on
site or off site and in a manner that shall not cause nuisance or pollution.
Clause 7:
The Contractor shall take all reasonable measures, at all sites under his control, to prevent
spillage and leakage of materials likely to cause pollution of water resources. Such measures
shall include, but not be limited to the provision of bunds around fuel and oil storage
facilities, and oil and grease traps in drainage systems associated with vehicle and plant
washing serving and fuelling areas. Prior to locating of such facilities, the Contractor shall
submit details of pollution prevention measures to the Engineer for approval.
Replanting of trees
Clause 8:
The Contractor shall exercise great effort during the Construction phase to minimize the
number of trees to be felled along the road. Four trees of the same species should be planted
for every tree felled along the road.
Transport of Materials
Clause 9:
The Contractor shall ensure that his vehicles do not cause a safety hazard, noise, dust or
disturbance to local inhabitants.
Traffic Management and Safety during Construction
Clause 10:
The contractor shall provide safe and convenient passage for vehicles, pedestrians and
livestock needing to pass through the works.
Clause 11:
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ASSESSMENT (ESIA)
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The Contractor shall provide, erect and maintain on the site and at such positions on the
approaches, traffic signs and traffic control signals necessary for the direction and control of
traffic. The signs shall be reflectorised or adequately illuminated at night in a manner
approved by the Engineer and kept clean and legible at all times. The Contractor shall
reposition, cover or remove signs as required during the various stages of implementation.
Clause 12:
The Contractor shall take reasonable precautions to keep the roads clear of any spillage or
materials from his operation to the satisfaction of the Engineer. The Contractor without delay
shall clear any spillage.
Clause 13:
All vehicles and plant operated by the contractor or his sub-contractors shall at all times be
maintained in accordance with the original manufactures specifications and service
manuals, with particular regard to the control of noise and diesel particulate emissions. The
Engineer shall have the right to require the contractor to replace or rectify any vehicle or
plant, which in his opinion causes excessive noise or emits smoke within 2 days of the
contraction being so notified.
Noise and Air Pollution
Clause 14:
The Contractor shall consider noise as an environmental concern in his planning and during
execution of the works.
Clause 15:
All vehicles and plant operated by the contractor or his sub-contractors shall at all times be
maintained in accordance with the original manufactures specifications and service
manuals, with particular regard to the control of noise and diesel particulate emissions. The
Engineer shall have the right to require the contractor to replace or rectify any vehicle or
plant, which in his opinion causes excessive noise or emits smoke within 2 days of the
contraction being so notified.
Clause 16:
The Contractor shall take all necessary measures to ensure that operation of all mechanical
equipment and construction processes on and off the site shall not cause any unnecessary or
excessive noise, taking into account all applicable environmental requirements. When
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ASSESSMENT (ESIA)
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operating close to residential area sensitive areas such as schools or medical facilities the
Contractors working hours shall be limited to daylight hours.
Clause 17:
The Contractor shall employ dust suppression measures such as watering to minimize dust
pollution.
Health and Safety Provisions
Clause 18:
The Contractor shall ensure as far as practicable that the health, safety and welfare of
employees and all other persons on site are secured and protected from hazards created by
the Project. The Contractor shall prepare and implement a Health and Safety Plan (HSP),
which shall be approved by the Engineer. The HSP shall address, but shall not be limited to,
the following:
Site security, including securing of excavations, hazardous materials, etc.

Confined space safety procedures
Excavation and trenching safety measures
Emergency response plans
First Aid including facilities, equipment and materials
On-Site safety publicity
Safety Training Program for Contractors (and Sub Contractors) personnel
Personal Protective clothing and safety equipment (PPE)
Health and safety monitoring and reporting
All occupational health and safety measures will comply with applicable Government of
Ghana regulations, and international good practice, where the more stringent will apply.
Natural Protected Area (Guako Sacred Grove)
Clause 19:
The Contractor shall take all necessary measures to ensure that such areas shall be
designated no go areas and access to, or work in such areas, shall be prohibited and
carefully controlled. No go and Sensitive Areas shall be clearly designated and
demarcated as such by appropriate signage or markers (not danger tape), provided by the
Contractor.
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No fauna, wild animals or creatures may be deliberately killed, trapped or injured in any
way. The placing of snares, destruction of fences or access to adjoining properties for
purposes of poaching or hunting is regarded as a criminal offence and shall be handled and
treated as such.
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12.0 INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITIES AND STRENGTHENING PLAN

This chapter details the capacity strengthening plans that will be needed to improve or aid the
ability of some key agencies with regard to the implementation of the ESMP.
12.1 DUR
The overall implementation, project supervision and monitoring falls under the purview of
the Environmental Unit of the DUR. It will be in charge of overseeing the implementation of
the ESMP.
In order for this to be done successfully, it is necessary that their capacity be strengthened to
improve their function with regards to environmental and social management. An overall cost
of GH106,000.00 has been estimated for this purpose.
Table 32: Support for Environmental Unit of DUR

No. Activity Amount (GH)
Field Activity
1 Marking & Referencing of affected Properties 3,000.00
2 Valuation of Property by Land Valuation Division 5,000.00
3 Survey of Land by Survey and Mapping Division 5,000.00
4 Grievance and Redress Committee 8,000.00
5 Environment and Social Monitoring of Project 10,000.00
6 Sensitization Campaign 75,000.00
TOTAL 106,000.00
12.2 GWMA
The Town and Country Planning department under GWMA will mostly be consulted for this
project. To adequately provide services and perform their duties an amount of GH
453,000.00 is needed to enable them properly undertake their responsibilities.
Table 33:GWMA budget for Institutional Support

Needs Assessment Quantity Total Cost (GH)
1 To train people in the preparation of

Master Plan for GWMA
5 15,000
2
(284.04 km with 412 communities)
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2 Geographic Information System

(GIS) training.
5 staff plus two 20,000
This will equip staff with resource persons
required tools / expertise
needed to prepare the plan
3
Acquiring of Base Maps Entire Municipality 40,000
4 Acquiring of Orthophotos
Entire Municipality
To check current trend of 70,000
development and provide
base maps.
Ground truthing
5 Procure HP Laptops Computers
They will be used for the

2 5,000
training and preparing of the
plan
6 Procure Desktop Computers.
Serve as permanent database
for the master plan 2 3,000
7 Procure Plotter
Use to plot all the co

ordinates picked from which 1 10,000
the map will be generated.
8 Procure GPS (RTK) machine 1 50,000
9 Procure Color Printer
Use to print the output for 1 4,000

visualization
10 Procure vehicles
Help in data mobilization (

both primary and secondary)
Use for ground truthing and
validation of the orthophotos. 2 240,000
Day to day activities of the
map preparation.
TOTAL 453,000
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12.3 EPA
EPA will play a key role in the monitoring of project compliance. To adequately perform its
duties, they request that an amount of GH 588,826.94 be given to aid them.
Table 34: Monitoring Budget
BUDGET
MONITORING ESTIMATES
OBJECTIVES/ITEMS PARAMETERS FREQUENCY RESPONSIBILITY (GH)
To ensure compliance Occupational
to environmental Health and
Safety
standards and enhanced Guako Sacred
environmental quality Grove
Traffic
Management
Borrow Pits 62,400.00
construction
Camp
Management
Construction Weekly EPA/DUR
Waste
Management
Community
Infrastructure
Noise Sampling
80,000.00
and Analysis
Water quality
Sampling and 41,600.00
Analysis
Ambient Air
Quality 201,226.94
Office Equipment and
Stationery 10,000.00
Personal Protective
10,000.00
Equipment
168,000.00
Monitoring Vehicle
15,600.00
Fuel
Office Equipment and
588,826.94
Stationery
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13.0 CONCLUSION
The findings from the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment show that although the
proposed interchange project is expected to have a number of negative impacts most of these
are anticipated to occur during the construction phases and are mitigated in the overall road
design.
However there are sensitive areas in the project area, which if not properly taken care of
could be destroyed. The mitigation measures will require constant information flow and
consultation with the stakeholders to ensure the least adverse social-economic impact from
the project.
The project is therefore being recommended for implementation assuming the incorporation
of the recommended mitigating measures and implementation of the Impact Mitigation
Measures.
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ACCRA URBAN TRANSPORT PROJECT (AUTP), ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIAL
PHASE 1 POKUASE INTERCHANGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT (ESIA)
ANNEXES
CONSULTED DOCUMENTS
BASELINE DATA
CONSULTATIONS
ASSOCIATED CONSULTANTS LIMITED
ACCRA URBAN TRANSPORT PROJECT (AUTP) - POKUASE INTERCHANGE
MINUTES OF STAKEHOLDER PRESENTATION FEASIBILITY REPORT

MEETING
DATE: Monday, 30th March, 2015

VENUE: EPA CONFERENCE ROOM, AMASAMAN
TIME: 10:00am
ATTENDANCE LIST
No. Name Organisation Position
1 C.H. Clerk GWMA MUNKS ENG.
2 Samuel Asante Pokuase Ayawaso
Taxi Branch
3 Juliana Adubefour GWMA BAC HEAD
4 Daniel Abeo A.C.P. Water Tankers
5 Ferdinand Yali DUR PCU
6 Halimatu Zuban Pokuase
7 Pat Onny DUR RSE
8 Benjamin Adomah- DUR Reg. Dir.
Kusi
9 Nii Ayi Ajama II Ayawaso Asere Stool Stool Elder
10 Nii Gyesi Ankrah Ayawaso Asere Stool Secretary
11 A. Ben-Mahmoud ECG Proj. Eng.
12 Abdoni Justice P.K. Ga Central Mun. Assembly Mun. Eng.
Samuel M. Lawer GWMA Manager
13
14 D.K. Opare GWMA MEHO
15 Nathan Sika ACON Social Dept.
16 David Adonteng NRSC Director
17 Samuel Tackey LVD/AR Chief Valuer
18 Abraham Danquah DUR Snr. Eng.
19 Ebenezer Pinkrah EPA Chief Program Officer
20 George Debrah MRH Snr. Eng.
21 Kwasi Agyeman- MRH Eng.
Boakye
22 Gawusu Nuhuo Pokuase-Ayawaso Taxi Union Rep
23 Richard Ayitey Pokuase-Ayawaso Taxi Union Rep
24 Ing. George Lutterodt DUR -
25 Robert Ackabah DUR Quantity Surveyor
26 George Ahram DUR Civil Eng.
27 E.N.K Ashong MRH Director (Civil Eng.)
28 Esther Ayitey NTDA Pokuase Zone Apprentice
Coordinator
29 Edith Ansah Forestry Comm. Reg. Mgr.
30 John Akwasi Nuamah DUR Director
31 Kwabena Bempong ACON Principal Consultant.
32 Charles Doh GRIDCO Mgr.
33 Winefred Agyeman GRIDCO Environmental Officer
34 Nana Akua B. Boateng ACON PC/ Engineer
35 Naki Tetteh-Anowie ACON Environmental
36 Marian Naa Aku ACON Consultant Trainee
Mingle
37 Christiana Danquah Pokuase Haidressers Rep.
Association
38 Lydia Nelson Pokuase Haidressers Rep.
Association
39 Dr. K. Osafo Ampadu DFR Chief Eng.
40 George K. Addison MRH Engineer
41 Ernest Tufuour MRH Snr. Engineer
42 Hon. Comfort Zormelo Manchie Womens Group President
43 Geraldo Charles DUR Quantity Surveyor
44 Ogbordjor Solomon ACP Tankers
45 Akansi Jacob Ebo DUR Quantity Surveyor
46 Gloria Allotey ACON Consultant Trainee
47 Rockson Quarshie Vodafone Rep.
48 Neville Dodoo-Quartey DUR Electrical Eng.
49 Yaw Opoku ACON Vice Pres. Operations
Mensah
50 Selina Avevor Kpobiman Womens Assoc. Chairperson(W.W.)
50 Kodwo Duku Wilson DUR Environmental Officer
51 Dumbah Emmanuella DUR GWMA Mntce. Eng.
53 Henrietta Whyte ACON Trainee Consultant
54 Juliet Adu ACON Traffic Engineer
55 Stephen Mawuli Kweku LVD Valuer
56 Adjei Nyarko Stephen GNTDA Pokuase Rep.
57 Theophilus Zaah A.C.P. Taxi Union, Pokuase Rep.

58 Isaac Kumah A.C.P. Taxi Union, Pokuase Rep.
59 Nyavor Emmanuel A.C.P.Union Tankers Rep.
60 Ayitey Richard A.C.P. Taxi Union, Pokuase Rep.
61 Frank Akogo A.C.P. Taxi Union , Pokuase Rep.
62 S.O. Ampadu ACON Asst. Vice Pres. Adm/HR
63 K.A. Kwakwa ACON CEO
64 Daniel Wuaku NRSC Regional Manager
65 Hon. Sam Atukwei GWMA Municipal Chief Executive
Quaye
ACRONYMS
ACON Associated Consultants

DFR Department of Feeder Roads
DUR Department of Urban Roads
ECG Electricity Company of Ghana
EI Executive Instrument
EPA Environmental Protection Agency
GHA Ghana Highways Authority
GRIDCO Ghana Grid Company
GNTDA Ghana National Tailors and Dressmakers Association
GWMA Ga West Municipal Assembly
KWA Kpobiman Womens Association
LVD Lands Valuation Department
MRH Ministry of Roads and Highways
NRSC National Road Safety Commission
Item Discussion
1.0 OPENING
The meeting which was chaired by Ing. John Akwasi Nuamah (DUR) begun at 10:30am
with a word of prayer by Ing. Kwabena Bempong.

2.0 AGENDA
1. ACCRA URBAN TRANSPORT PROJECT-PHASE 1 STAKEHOLDER
PRESENTATION
2. DISCUSSIONS
3. OTHER MATTERS
3.0 MATTERS ARISING FROM MEETING:

Presentation: Status Report by Ing. Kwabena Bempong
Section 1 which is the Pokuase-Awoshie road is near completion and Designs for
Section 2 which is the Pokuase Interchange is on course.
Pokuase - Awoshie road nearly completed, interchange needed to reduce the
bottleneck anticipated during operation of the Pokuase-Awoshie Road
Presentation of 7no. Proposed Interchange schemes
Presentation of selected scheme: 3 -Tier Signalized Interchange
EIA about to begin
Presentation ended at 11:20am
4.0 DISCUSSIONS / QUESTIONS

4.1- Nii Gyesi Ankrah
Nii Gyesi Ankrah spoke on behalf of the Asere Paramount Stool. He expressed his
concern about the design of pedestrian crossings. He believed the current
proposed designs only favoured able-bodied youth and not older pedestrians. He
pleaded for designs to include underpasses instead of overpasses.
He also expressed concern about the Guako sacred grove and was worried it might
be destroyed during construction activities.
He suggested that the position of the three (3) principle gods which are located in
the grove be considered and those locations avoided in the construction of the
interchange.
He also expressed concern about the taxi rank near the Guako sacred grove and
asked that they be relocated as part of the project and he would like the project
designers to meet with Ayawaso community for interventions for the station.
He mentioned that previous designers had required new lands for bus terminals,
clinics, schools and marketplace. He added that lands where available for these
facilities still.
He finally added that the people of Ayawaso simply wanted to be involved in the
project process.
Ing. Bempong(ACON) addressed him; saying that the proposed designs are ideas
and not cast in stone and more importantly will not be imposed on the users. He
further assured Nii Gyesi Ankrah that the designs are disable-friendly.
4.2 - Ing. Bempong

He asked however if there were any social intervention plans for Ayawaso.
Ing. (Mrs.) Vander-Pallen from DUR replied that consultations are ongoing for the
various social projects (market, schools e.t.c.) in order to choose which ones
would be undertaken.
4.3 - Ebenezer Pinkrah(EPA)

Mr Pinkrah enquired about the Scoping and EIA reports which the EPA were
expecting from ACON.
The social impact assessment report had however been received.
He expressed concern about how the Sunkwa River and the sacred grove would be
safeguarded during construction.
He was also concerned about construction waste disposal as well as provision of
places of convenience for construction site workers.
He reminded the Project designers of the fact that all ancillary projects should be
considered in the EIA.
4.4 - Ing. Bempong

Confirmed that the scoping report was ready for submission.
Ing. Mrs. Tetteh-Anowie assured that a letter would be written to EPA to revise the
former project registration to include ancillary projects.
4.5 - Selina Avevor (Kpobiman Womens Association)
Expressed worry about the usual flooding that occurs on the existing road and
advised that road design should include flood prevention measures.
4.6 David Adonteng (National Road Safety Commission)
He commended the design team and all involved for taking up the project as it will
reduce the death toll in that area due to road accidents.
He asked if a Road Safety audit had been carried out, if not he wanted to know
who would carry it out. He reminded the design team that the Safety audit should
be submitted before the completion of the interchange.
Ing. Bempong responded that the Audit would be done in-house but assured him
that NRSC would also be consulted.
4.7 Theophilus Zaah (A.C.P. Taxi Union)

He enquired of what was to become of the taxi and water tanker drivers.
Ing. Bempong replied that separate consultations would be held to determine a
feasible alternative for them.
4.8 Richard Ayittey (Pokuase-Ayawaso Taxi Union)

He expressed concerned about the Sunkwa River enquiring about how they (water
tanker drivers) would get access to the river.
Ing. Bempong again assured them that their Union would be consulted for feasible
relocation areas so they do not lose their livelihood. He further assured them that
all stakeholders are development partners and as such should feel free to ask more
questions.
4.9 - Nii Gyesi Ankrah (Asere Stool Secretary)

He expressed worry that the Ayawaso name would be lost as only the name
Pokuase has been mentioned in all of the Project stages so far.
He requested that a large street sign be erected as soon as possible to identify
Ayawaso area. This he said was a special request from the Stool Elder Nii Ayi
Ajama II.
4.10 - Sylvia Avevor (Kpobiman Womens Association)

Enquired about satellite roads whether they were part of the proposed project.
Regional director DUR assured that they would be considered.
4.11 - Richard Ayittey (Pokuase-Ayawaso Taxi Union)

Complained about the quality of road and the road use that it was usually blocked
or choked with users (mostly trotro and taxis).
Ing. Mrs Vander-Pallen answered that the DUR was consulting with the GWMA
to find a new location for the Taxi rank.
4.12 Ebenezer Pinkrah(EPA)

Enquired as to when the project would be starting.
Ing. Mrs Vander-Pallen replied that it would depend on the timing of funding. An
appraisal of the project will be done in June, 2015 with the African Development
Bank and another later in October 2015. She concluded that hopefully the project
would begin midyear 2016.
4.13 - Nii Gyesi Ankrah (Asere Stool Secretary)

He corrected that the Pokuase Junction is actually Ayawaso.
He expressed concern about structures placed under the High tension cables.
He called upon the Municipal assembly to do their job and remove all structures
that had been erected under the high tension cables.
Ing. Mrs Vander-Pallen replied that in due time all those people would be
removed.
Ing Bempong in agreement with Nii Gyesi Ankrah added that the road reservation
of the existing Pokuase road was planned to be 90m but ECG and GRIDCO
pylons have been placed so close to the road and so consultations were being held
with ECG and GRIDCO on appropriate relocation areas.
He reiterated that there are several other structures all around the road and all that
would be taken into consideration.
4.14 - Lydia Nelson (Pokuase Haidressers Association)
Concerned about the relocation of the Market as they have
been forewarned of a closure of the current one.
Ing. Mrs Vander-Pallen replied that DUR is in talks with the Ga West Municipal
Assembly about the issue.
4.15 - Samuel Tackey (Land Valuation Department)

He advised that the Land Valuation Department should be involved in the
valuation process as soon as the design had been finalised. He also enquired if an
EI had been obtained for the Pokuase Interchange.
Ing. Bempong confirmed that the Accra-Kumasi E.I. had been acquired.
Confirmations had been done with GHA and the Awoshie-Pokuase EI has also
been acquired. He added that a Valuer has been employed to evaluate structures
within the design area but a government Valuer will consulted per government
procedures.
4.16 - Hon. Sam Atukwei Quaye (Municipal Chief Executive)

Advised of certain components that might have been ignored i.e. Community
Sensitisation. He mentioned that the youth of the community are aggravated as
they are not fully informed of the project and had caught wind of an intended
demonstration by the town youth.
Appealed that all communities should be involved. Their various leaders should be
involved in the development of the project and then information conveyed to their
community members.
He concluded that the sensitization was necessary to acquire useful information as
well as to keep the hopes of the communities alive.
4.17 - David Adonteng (National Road Safety Commission)

He enquired if the project was part of a Master Plan or if it was hanging.
He further sought to reiterate the need to consult Master plans before any project
was commissioned.
Ing. Bempong replied that that the GHA would be more suited to answer about the
Master plans. It was however his believe that the project was part of a Master
plan. He also concurred with Mr Adonteng about making sure that all future
agreed with a Master plan.
4.18 - David Adonteng

He advised that transport terminals be properly engineered (similar to Achimota
Terminal) to avoid problems similar to N1 highway and at the Kwame Nkrumah
Circle.
He also advocated for friendly pedestrian crossings.
4.19 - Hon. Sam Atukwei Quaye

He suggested that underpasses be used in the proposed interchange design instead
of the overpasses if cost would allow.

Accra Urban Transport Project (Autp), Phase 1 - Pokuase Interchange

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MINISTRY OF ROADS AND HIGHWAYS

ACCRA URBAN TRANSPORT PROJECT (AUTP),

SEPTEMBER 33 Royalt Castle Road Kokomlemle,

ACCRA URBAN TRANSPORT PROJECT (AUTP) PHASE 1- POKUASE

DEPARTMENT OF URBAN ROADS

Environmental and Social Impact Assessment

Document No. | ACL-OP-DCF-ES-002

Doc Description By Review Approved Submission

File Name Accra Urban Transport Road Phase 1 - Environmental and

Revision description Final client approval and issued to AfdB

Prepared by Henrietta Whyte/ Jane Naki Tetteh- Anowie

Checked by Jane Naki Tetteh- Anowie

Issue date September 2015

3.2.6 Construction Materials ........................................................................................................ 13

6.0 POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS .................................................... 37

8.2 Environmental hazard management ............................................................................................ 73

12.3 EPA ............................................................................................................................................. 95

Table 32: Support for Environmental Unit of DUR.................................................................................... 93

Figure 1: Map Showing Project layout ......................................................................................................... 1

The objective of the ESIA is to:

Potential Impacts and Mitigation Measures

Expected Residual Effects and Environmental Hazard Management

Stakeholder and Public Consultation

An Environmental Management and Monitoring Programme have been developed. The

Environmental and Social Management Plan

Institutional Capacities and Strengthening Plan

The Awoshie-Pokuase road, which is currently under construction, is expected to improve

Figure 1: Map Showing Project layout

1.2 Project Objectives

1.3 ESIA Study Objectives

1.4 ESIA Study Scope

1.5 ESIA Methodology

1.5.1 Review of Relevant Literature

1.5.2 Field Work

1.6 Environmental and Social Impact Statement

2.0 ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY AND INSTITUTIONAL

2.1 Ghana Government Environmental Policy

2.2 Legal and Institutional Framework

Environmental Assessment Regulations LI 1652, 1999 - To provide guidance and

African Development Bank Integrated Safeguard System- African Development Bank

Integrated Safeguard System (ISS) constitutes five operational safeguards addressing

The specific safeguards are briefly described below;

Operational Safeguard 1 (OS 1)

Operational Safeguard 2(OS 2)

Operational Safeguards 3 (OS 3)

Operational Safeguard 4(OS 4)

Operational safeguard 5 (OS 5)

2.3 Emission Limit Values

2.3.1 Ambient Air Quality

Standards & Guidelines

Table 2: IFC Noise Limits

Table 3: EPA Noise Limits

2.3.3 Water Quality

2.4 Road Policy and Administrative Framework

2.5 Environmental Assessment Regulations and Procedures

2.6 Institutional Framework

1. Environmental Protection Agency

2.6.1 Institutional and Implementation Arrangements

2.6.1.1 Ministry of Roads and Highways (MRH)

The MRH has responsibility for the:

Formulation and implementation of integrated roads and highways policy and

2.6.1.2 Ghana Highway Authority (GHA)