A News Desk report
The Accra–Kumasi highway, a strategic economic corridor linking the nation’s two most economically significant cities, is drawing renewed concern as deteriorating road conditions compromise commuter safety, disrupt economic activity and pose potential health risks.
Despite its status as the country’s most travelled roadway, sections of the highway remain in disrepair – characterised by incomplete construction works, large potholes and uneven surfaces. As a result, the route has become a chokepoint for both commuters and freight transporters.
“The stretch from Amasaman through to Nsawam in the Eastern Region is terrible. Some parts have been graded, but others remain untouched. The potholes – some so deep they resemble manholes – force drivers to swerve repeatedly, increasing the risk of accidents,” Felix Osei Kuffour, a licensed optician and regular user of the route, told B&FT.
While the remainder of the highway – from Nsawam Junction through Suhum, Kibi Junction and Osino – is reportedly “in good condition”, isolated sections under active construction including a stretch after Osino where a bridge is being built continue to hamper seamless travel. These bottlenecks reflect a broader concern that infrastructure improvements along this vital route remain uneven.
Commuters say economic implications of the deteriorated segments are far-reaching. The Accra–Kumasi road serves not only as a key travel route but also a major channel for moving goods and services between the country’s southern and northern zones.
Agricultural produce from the Ashanti and Eastern Regions, manufactured goods from Accra and Tema and commercial freight all depend on the road’s efficiency.
“The people in charge don’t experience what we go through,” said Akosua Mensima, a trader and long-time resident of Osino. “They glide over the worst parts of this road in their air-conditioned V8s, escorted like royalty. Meanwhile, the rest of us sit in traffic for hours, dodging potholes that could swallow a wheel. If they had to ride in a trotro or taxi like we do, this road would have been fixed long ago.”
According to transport union representatives, delays caused by the poor road conditions result in increased fuel consumption, higher vehicle maintenance costs and reduced productivity.
“A journey that should take four hours can easily stretch to six or more. This cuts down the number of trips we can make in a day and affects how much we earn,” said Brother Kofi, a commercial driver.
“I’ve had passengers alight from the bus and take okada [commercial motorcycles] just to complete the journey,” he added.
Small traders and logistics companies are also feeling the strain. Perishable goods face spoilage risks due to extended transit times while informal sector operators endure erratic travel schedules. These inefficiencies in transport logistics threaten to erode the competitiveness of businesses that depend on reliable delivery timelines.
Beyond economics, health and safety concerns are also mounting. The erratic driving necessitated by pothole-ridden stretches – frequent swerving, abrupt braking and prolonged exposure to dust and vibrations – poses a serious risk to passengers and drivers alike.
Long-term exposure to such conditions may contribute to back injuries, respiratory issues and elevated stress levels, particularly among commercial drivers who spend long hours on the road daily.
There is also heightened risk of accidents, especially during night travel or poor weather when deep potholes are less visible. Road safety experts have repeatedly warned of the link between deteriorating roads and increased crash rates. In 2023, a total of 14,135 road crashes were recorded – resulting in 2,276 fatalities and 15,409 injuries, according to the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA). The Greater Accra, Ashanti and Eastern Regions – areas directly connected by the Accra–Kumasi highway – accounted for a significant share of these incidents.
Speeding remains a major contributor to road accidents, responsible for approximately 39 percent of all crash fatalities nationwide.
The Ministry of Roads and Highways previously announced plans to fully dualise the Accra–Kumasi highway to ease congestion and improve safety. However, progress has been slow – with funding constraints and bureaucratic delays stalling the timely completion of key sections. The Kwafokrom–Apedwa dualisation, for instance, remains incomplete after several years of work.
Stakeholders are now calling for greater transparency and accountability in road infrastructure development.
“We need timelines that are respected, better supervision of contractors and regular updates to the public. The economic cost of inaction is simply too high,” Mr. Kuffour added.
In the meantime, commuters continue to navigate the highway with caution and growing frustration – hoping that policy pledges will soon translate into tangible improvements. Until then, the Accra–Kumasi highway remains both a vital asset and a liability; essential, yet compromised.
