Ako Adjei Interchange

Ako-Adjei Interchange
Sankara Interchange
Interactive map of Ako-Adjei Interchange
Location
Accra, Ghana
Coordinates	5°34′19″N0°11′25″W / 5.57194°N 0.19028°W / 5.57194; -0.19028
Roads at junction	Ring Road Central Independence Avenue Liberation Road
Construction
Constructed	September 1997
Opened	December 1999 (1999-12)

The Ako-Adjei Interchange is a flyover in Accra, Ghana. Until 2005 it was known as the Sankara Interchange. ^[1] The construction of interchange started in September 1997 and ended in December 1999. ^[2] It was constructed during the Jerry Rawlings administration and was the first interchange to be built in Ghana. ^[3]

Location

The interchange is located between Ring Road Central and Independence Avenue and is along Liberation Road in Accra with links towards the 37 Military Hospital, the Police headquarters. It is arguably one of Ghana's most used flyovers. ^[4]

History

The site of the interchange was prior to its construction a major roundabout. The roundabout had several name changes from the Akuafo Roundabout to Redemption Circle to the Sankara Circle. ^[5] The names given to the roundabout represented the identities and interests of various Ghanaian political leader in Ghana's political history. When construction of the interchange begun in 1997 it was to replace the Sankara Roundabout. ^[2] Upon completion the interchange was named the Sankara Interchange. Captain Thomas Sankara was a military ruler of Burkina Faso.

Renaming

In March of 2005, the Sankara Interchange was renamed to Ako Adjei Interchange, modeled after Dr. Ebenezer Ako Adjei, who was a lawyer and founding member of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC) and a famous member of The Big Six (Ghana). The renaming was graciously accepted by his daughter, Naa Astia Yaoley. ^{[6] [7]}

Mural Project

In February 2020, the Ghana Association of Visual Artists (GAVA), in partnership with the Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly and the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, began a mural project at the Ako Adjei Interchange under the Accra Beautification Project. ^[8] The initiative aims to showcase Accra as the capital city and highlight Ga cultural heritage, including symbolism, traditions, and coastal life.

The first phase, designed to coincide with Ghana’s 63rd Independence anniversary, features murals on both ends of the interchange and themed artwork on the bridge pillars. The project blends the murals with the surrounding environment and promotes Ga cultural symbols in public spaces. ^[9] It is expected to extend to other areas in the city, including Efua Sutherland Park, Liberation Circle, Danquah Circle, High Street and Kwame Nkrumah Circle. ^{[10] [11]}

References

1. "Sankara Interchange re-named after Dr. Ako Adjei". www.modernghana.com. Archived from the original on 7 October 2012. Retrieved 5 June 2011.
2. "Featured Project". www.tbpconsult.com. Archived from the original on 26 February 2011. Retrieved 5 June 2011.
3. "Prez cuts sod for Tetteh Quarshie Interchange". www.modernghana.com. Archived from the original on 2012-10-07. Retrieved 2011-06-05.
4. "Ako Adjei Interchange sparkling with beautiful artworks - MyJoyOnline" . Retrieved 2025-11-06.
5. "Sankara Overpass Renamed After Ako Adjei". www.modernghana.com. Archived from the original on 7 October 2012. Retrieved 5 June 2011.
6. "Ako Adjei Interchange, ACCRA". www.wikimapia.org. Archived from the original on 12 October 2010. Retrieved 5 June 2011.
7. "Sankara Interchange re-named after Dr. Ako Adjei". Ghana Web. Retrieved 5 November 2025.
8. "Ako Adjei Interchange sparkling with beautiful artworks - MyJoyOnline" . Retrieved 2025-11-25.
9. "KoKMA, GAVA to roll out phase one of the Ako Adjei interchange Mural". https://www.newsghana.com.gh/ . 2020-02-05. Retrieved 2025-12-02.{{cite web}}: External link in |website= (help)
10. "KoKMA, GAVA to roll out phase one of the Ako-Adjei interchange Mural". GhanaWeb. 2020-02-05. Archived from the original on 2024-12-28. Retrieved 2025-12-02.
11. "Artists beautifying the streets of Accra, Ghana one vibrant mural at a time!". My Marvellous Mundane. 2020-12-08. Retrieved 2025-12-02.