Gridlock on Accra-Nsawam road: Time to act

The growing traffic congestion on the Accra-Nsawam highway is no longer just an inconvenience; it is a national concern that demands urgent and decisive action.

What should be a routine journey of about one and a half hours has now become a gruelling four-hour ordeal for thousands of commuters travelling daily from Nsawam and surrounding communities to Accra.

This situation, is unacceptable and reflects deeper challenges in the management and maintenance of one of the country’s critical transport corridors.

At the heart of the problem lies the deteriorating condition of key sections of the road, particularly the Hebron-Doboro stretch and the area around the Achimota Old Station.

 Deep potholes, broken surfaces and poor drainage have rendered these portions difficult to navigate, forcing drivers to slow down drastically or, in some cases, veer into opposing lanes.

The result is predictable: severe congestion, confusion and heightened risk of accidents.

But beyond the inconvenience, the human and economic cost of this situation is alarming.

Workers are arriving at their workplaces already exhausted, with productivity taking a hit.

Traders, especially those dealing in perishable goods, are counting losses as items spoil in traffic.

Commercial drivers are grappling with rising fuel consumption and frequent vehicle breakdowns due to the poor state of the road.

These are not isolated complaints; they represent a daily reality for thousands of Ghanaians whose livelihoods depend on this vital route.

The Accra-Nsawam road is not just another highway. It is a major artery that connects the capital to the Eastern, Ashanti and Northern parts of the country.

Any disruption along this corridor has ripple effects on trade, mobility and national productivity.

 Allowing such a critical road to deteriorate to its current state raises serious questions about maintenance culture and the prioritisation of infrastructure.

The Ghanaian Times believes that the time for routine assurances is over. What is needed now is immediate, visible action.

First, the relevant authorities must undertake emergency repairs on the most affected sections of the road, particularly at the Achimota Old Station.

Temporary fixes may provide short-term relief, but a more durable solution must be pursued to prevent recurring deterioration.

Second, traffic management must be strengthened. The indiscriminate use of opposing lanes by drivers, though borne out of frustration, only worsens the situation and increases the risk of accidents.

The deployment of traffic personnel to regulate movement, especially during peak hours, is essential.

We also urge authorities to explore longer-term solutions, including road expansion and improved drainage systems, to accommodate increasing traffic volumes and ensure resilience against wear and tear.

Ultimately, the cost of inaction will far outweigh the investment required to fix this problem.

Every hour lost in traffic is a blow to productivity, a strain on livelihoods and a source of frustration for citizens.

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