The Ghana Police Service has announced temporary road closures and traffic diversions in Accra on Friday, August 15, to ensure safety and smooth traffic management during the inter-denominational and inter-faith state funeral for the victims of the August 6 helicopter crash.

This was announced in a statement signed by the Assistant Commissioner of Police Grace Ansah-Akrofi today, August 14.

The statement explained that “the following roads in the vicinity of the event will be closed to traffic”:

• 28th February: Road from CEPS Traffic Light Intersection to Castle Road Junction
• Osu Cemetery Traffic Light on Lokko Street
• Castle Road from AU to Osu Cemetery Traffic Light
• Starlet 91 Road at the Ministries Traffic Light Intersection

On road diversions, the police indicated that “traffic from La, Labone and Osu towards Accra Central and the Ministries via 28th February Road will be diverted onto Salem Avenue at the Castle Traffic Light to join Oxford Street.”

Other diversions outlined in the statement include:

• “Motorists from Lokko Street, Osu, towards Castle Road should use Ajumaku Street and Oxford Street.”
• “Traffic from John Evans Atta Mills High Street towards Black Star Square will be diverted onto Liberia Road at CEPS Traffic Intersection towards the National Theatre.”
• “Traffic from AU Circle towards Castle Road via Osu Cemetery Traffic Light will be redirected onto Abdul Diouf and King Hassan Roads, linking with Abdul Nasser Road near the Ghana Institute of Journalism.”

Touching on parking, the police noted that “only vehicles with red VVIP windscreen stickers will be allowed to enter and park at the Black Star Square arena.”

The command added that “designated parking areas include the Black Star Square (VVIP, VIP), State House Forecourt, Accra International Conference Centre, Access Bank Car Park, Osu Cemetery Car Park, Accra Sports Stadium Car Park, Ministry of Food and Agriculture Car Park, Marine Drive Football Park, Afua Sutherland Car Park, and other approved areas within the Ministries enclave.”

On security enforcement, the command cautioned, “No vehicle will be allowed to park at unauthorised places or drive through road blockages. Towing trucks will be on standby to remove any abandoned, disabled, or wrongly parked vehicles. Traffic officers will also be on the ground to direct motorists to the appropriate car parks and diversion routes.”

The statement concluded with an appeal: “Motorists are further advised to take note of these arrangements and plan alternative routes before embarking on their journey. The general public, especially motorists, is urged to cooperate with the police and other security agencies to ensure effective traffic management and control.”