A critical section of Ghana's major north-south highway near Babatokuma, Kintampo, remains completely blocked more than 48 hours after a single-vehicle accident.

Since the crash, no single truck or vehicle from either the northern or southern parts of the country has been able to cross the affected stretch, situated strategically in the Bono East Region.

This has created an unprecedented traffic gridlock that has rendered hundreds of commuters stranded and threatened vast quantities of perishable goods.

Adome TV's Bono East Correspondent, Wiafe Akenten, reports that the incident, which occurred around 11:00 PM on Sunday, July 27, 2025, has effectively severed a vital transport artery, causing widespread frustration and significant economic losses.

This prolonged closure has led to an extensive queue of vehicles stretching for kilometres in both directions, painting a dire picture of stagnation and helplessness.

Stranded drivers and passengers are expressing acute frustration over the lack of progress in clearing the road.

Many have been stuck for two nights and over two full days, facing dwindling supplies of food and water, exposure to the elements, and the stress of uncertainty.

"We are totally stranded here. My tomatoes are spoiling, and I don't know when we'll move," lamented one distraught truck driver, highlighting the immediate economic impact on those transporting fresh produce from the agricultural north to the consumption centres in the south.

A passenger on a bus heading north from Accra added, "This is unbearable. We've slept in the bus for two nights. No proper food, no washrooms. Why is it taking so long to clear one truck?"

Such delays on Ghana's highways, though not uncommon, rarely extend beyond a few hours, let alone multiple days, raising questions about emergency response capabilities for major road obstructions.

The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Kintampo, Isaac Donkor, visited the accident scene to assess the situation and offer assurances to the increasingly agitated public.

Mr Donkor confirmed that arrangements had been made for military assistance to deploy "towing machines" to help clear the blockage.

However, as of Tuesday morning, the promised equipment had yet to arrive, further prolonging the agony for those trapped on the highway.

The Kintampo-Babatokuma stretch is a crucial corridor for trade, linking Ghana's agrarian northern regions and neighbouring landlocked countries like Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to the port cities of Tema and Accra.

The prolonged closure directly impacts the supply chain for various commodities.

Perishable goods, including tomatoes, onions, yams, and fruits, which are primarily sourced from the north, face severe spoilage risks, leading to significant financial losses for farmers and traders.

This could potentially lead to price hikes for these commodities in urban markets in the coming days.

Furthermore, the disruption affects commercial activity, as goods destined for northern Ghana and beyond are stuck, impacting businesses reliant on timely delivery.

The incident highlights the vulnerability of Ghana's transport infrastructure and the urgent need for robust emergency response mechanisms, including readily available heavy-duty recovery vehicles, to quickly clear major road obstructions and minimize economic disruption.

As the sun sets on Tuesday, the hope for an immediate resolution hinges on the timely arrival and effective deployment of the military's promised towing equipment.

Until then, the Kintampo highway remains a symbol of frustration and economic distress for all those caught in its unyielding grip.