The Accra Metropolitan Assembly has announced that rehabilitation works on the Kaneshie footbridge are expected to take between six and nine months, as authorities move to address long standing structural concerns at one of Accra’s busiest transport corridors.
The footbridge was officially closed on April 2, 2026, to allow for urgent repairs after assessments revealed significant deterioration that raised safety risks for pedestrians and traders who use the facility daily.
According to the Assembly, the scale of the work reflects the current condition of the structure, which is undergoing its first major refurbishment since it was originally constructed. Officials say the intervention will involve comprehensive repairs aimed at restoring the bridge’s structural integrity and extending its lifespan.
Head of Public Affairs at the Assembly, Gilbert Nii Ankrah, indicated that the timeline is necessary to ensure that the project is executed to standard, noting that the upgraded bridge is expected to remain durable for more than a decade once completed.
The rehabilitation forms part of a broader infrastructure upgrade in the Kaneshie enclave, with authorities also planning drainage improvements and temporary road adjustments to support construction works. These measures are expected to ease movement and improve safety within the area during and after the project.
The Kaneshie footbridge serves as a critical pedestrian link in one of Accra’s busiest commercial hubs, connecting the market, transport terminals and surrounding communities. Its closure is therefore expected to significantly affect daily movement patterns, particularly for commuters who rely on the bridge to navigate heavy vehicular traffic in the area.
Authorities have assured the public that the project is necessary to prevent further deterioration and avoid potential safety incidents. The Assembly maintains that completing the rehabilitation now will reduce long term risks and improve the overall usability of the facility.
In addition to structural repairs, the Assembly has confirmed that trading will not be permitted on the footbridge after the project is completed. Officials say the decision is aimed at maintaining safety and preventing congestion, which had previously contributed to both structural strain and restricted pedestrian movement.
The Assembly has indicated that alternative arrangements have been made to relocate affected traders to nearby markets, with enforcement measures to be put in place to ensure compliance once the bridge is reopened.
The rehabilitation comes amid ongoing efforts by city authorities to improve infrastructure, enforce urban planning regulations and decongest key commercial areas within Accra. Kaneshie, in particular, has been a focus of recent interventions due to its high traffic density and persistent challenges related to informal trading and sanitation.
While the six to nine month timeline provides a clear framework for completion, the success of the project will depend on effective execution and adherence to the schedule. Delays in similar infrastructure projects have historically affected mobility and economic activity in the capital.
For now, the Assembly has urged the public to cooperate with temporary arrangements during the construction period, emphasising that the long term benefits of a safer and more durable footbridge outweigh the short term inconvenience.
The project is expected to restore full functionality to the facility and improve pedestrian safety in one of the city’s most heavily used transit zones.
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