The Chinese Ambassador to Ghana has said the severe traffic jams in major cities in the country is an indication of gradual development.

According to Shi Ting Wang, despite the trend being a cause of headaches to many road users, better management of the situation will make it a great developmental experience, reports Joy News’ Richard Kwadwo Nyarko.

“If there is no traffic or cars on the road, there is no development. If there are so many cars on the road, it is a good trend for development. Just like in the big cities in China, there is always traffic jam,” he said.

In 2018, President Akufo-Addo decried the situation saying it is unproductive, unhealthy and expensive to sit in traffic which is taking the shine out of the capital city, Accra. He stressed on the need to improve the country’s transportation system. “We have to improve upon the transportation system so that no part of this country feels cut off, or can be deemed to be too far from the centre,” he said. Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Shi Ting Wang

In August this year, the President commissioned the Accra Traffic Management Centre, which he said is a major step in addressing congestion in Accra, the nation’s capital.

He indicated that the smooth flow of traffic in the cities and urban areas, as well as safety on the roads, are critical to the development of the country, and to enhancing the growth of key sectors of the economy.

Earlier this year, government dedicated ¢1m billion to fix traffic lights and erect road signs and paint defaced road markings. All in a bid to control traffic and reduce vehicular accidents.

Commenting on the traffic situation in Ghana, Shi Ting Wang says the phenomenon shows that the country is developing. 

He cited cities in China like Beijing and Shanghai, where there were serious cases of traffic, which have gotten better after effective management by authorities.

“In the future, you could improve your management skills but you don’t have to fight off the traffic,” Mr Wang admonished at a China-Africa Urban Development forum Institute at the University of Cape Coast.

There have been several interventions by government over the years to control the traffic situation in the country.

However, there has been no remarkable improvement in the situation.