The Accra–Kumasi highway, one of Ghana’s busiest transport corridors, is rapidly becoming a danger zone as motorists and residents decry its deteriorating condition.
Massive potholes, narrow lanes, and stalled road projects are turning routine travel into a nightmare, with deadly consequences.
A Survivor’s Plea
Twenty-two-year-old Cindy Kankam is still recovering from a horrific accident on the Atwedie stretch that claimed the lives of 16 members of the Saviour Church of Ghana. She was one of only three survivors.
“I had a fracture in my knee. When I regained consciousness at the hospital, I was told it had been managed. I still feel pain in my leg,” she recounted.
“The road is too narrow, and there are too many vehicles. The government should widen it or create more alternative routes. It will save lives.”
The tragedy has plunged the Obogu community into mourning, sparking renewed calls for urgent intervention.
Highway Hazards and Driver Frustration
Motorists say the pothole-ridden highway is forcing them into dangerous maneuvers—often swerving into the opposite lane or using road shoulders—heightening the risk of head-on collisions.
“It’s very dangerous to drive on this road,” said Osei Danso, a commercial driver.
“The potholes are everywhere. Trying to avoid them means you may crash into oncoming traffic. Something must be done—urgently.”
Hospitals Overwhelmed, Morgues Full
Health facilities along the route, such as the Juaso Government Hospital, are struggling to cope with the number of accident victims. With limited resources, many patients have to be transferred to Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH)—where bed shortages often delay care.
The Stewards Mortuary, a facility now infamous for receiving accident victims, also highlighted the direct link between the highway’s poor condition and the alarming number of road fatalities.
“Most of the accidents are caused by the state of the road,” said Esther Mensah Bonsu, Deputy Administrator at Stewards Hospital.
“The Ghana Highways Authority must step up and fix the road.”
Stalled Bypass Project Raises Concerns
Meanwhile, construction on the Konongo bypass, once touted as a critical solution to ease traffic and prevent accidents, has come to a standstill. Funding challenges have caused contractors to abandon the site, leaving the project in limbo.
With no clear timeline for completion, motorists and communities along the Accra–Kumasi corridor remain vulnerable to the risks posed by the deteriorating infrastructure.
Bottom Line:
Motorists, health workers, and residents alike are calling on authorities—particularly the Ghana Highways Authority—to urgently address the worsening conditions on the Accra–Kumasi highway. Without swift action, many fear the road will continue to claim innocent lives.
