Civil Engineer Abdulai Mahama believes that the Department of Urban Roads and the Ghana Highways Authority may have lacked proper plans in the past when constructing roads.

According to him, the current traffic congestion in Accra results from unplanned roads and the absence of designated routes for alternative diversions.

He explained that because alternative routes were not established, many interconnected roads cannot be constructed now due to the unavailability of land.

In an interview with Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, he stated, “I think the Department of Urban Roads and the Ghana Highways Authority in the past may have had inadequate plans regarding designated routes that should be secured for alternative diversions towards the capital. Unfortunately, some interconnected roads cannot be constructed now because of the lack of available land.”

Mr Mahama cited the intervention by former Greater Accra Regional Minister, Henry Quartey as an example of how indiscipline still affects road use. “When you look at the Adenta-Madina stretch before he intervened, there was public outcry about the congestion at Zongo Junction. He dedicated time, involved MTTD city and council officers, and instilled discipline there. Many of my colleagues coming from the mountains to work in Accra were very happy because they would previously waste 30-40 minutes in traffic. With discipline instilled, they could traverse that distance in under 5 minutes. Unfortunately, the situation is deteriorating again."

He stressed, “Allowing commercial vehicles to occupy two of the three lanes to park, offload, and load hinders the road’s functionality. To avoid traffic, we must address the breakdown of intersections, ensure Motor Traffic Transport Directorate (MTTD) officers manage traffic effectively, and prevent unauthorised individuals from directing traffic, which can exacerbate congestion.”

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