Commuters, Travellers, Trucks Stranded in Massive Gridlock on Ofankoror–Nsawam Road
A major traffic disaster unfolded on the Ofankor–Nsawam road Thursday evening, leaving thousands of commuters, long-distance travellers, and truck drivers stranded for over 15 hours.
A major traffic disaster unfolded on the Ofankor–Nsawam road Thursday evening, leaving thousands of commuters, long-distance travellers, and truck drivers stranded for over 15 hours. The chaos began when two articulated trucks overturned at Satellite, blocking the Amasaman–Medie stretch and triggering a massive gridlock that lasted until late Friday morning.
From 5:00 p.m. Thursday to 10:00 a.m. Friday, vehicles traveling between Accra and the Northern Region—and onward to Burkina Faso and Mali—were immobilized. With no movement possible, many passengers resorted to walking or hiring commercial motorbikes (Okada) to reach their destinations. Others, including truck drivers, were forced to sleep on the road. “I have never slept on this section of the road before, but here I am,” said Philip Mensah, a cement truck driver caught in the jam.
The incident exposed serious safety and economic vulnerabilities. A fuel tanker driver expressed concern over the flammable nature of his cargo, while others transporting perishable goods feared financial losses due to spoilage. “The products need refrigeration, and any delay will spoil them,” said Evans Appiah, a driver hauling perishables.
Even after the trucks were cleared, traffic crawled due to the poor condition of the road. Deep potholes, waterlogged sections, and erosion have turned parts of the 33.4-kilometre stretch into hazardous terrain. Some vehicles diverted through adjoining communities, but many were trapped in the congestion.
Work on the Ofankor–Nsawam road—part of the Accra–Kumasi National Route 6—has stalled. The contractor, Maripoma Enterprise Limited, has withdrawn equipment from the site despite a $346.5 million budget and a revised completion date of May 2025. Drivers and commuters are now calling on the government to release funds and resume construction. “The government must pay the contractor so work can continue,” urged Emmanuel Ofori, a taxi driver who spent the night on the road.
The road is a critical artery for trade and mobility, linking Ghana to its northern regions and neighbouring countries. Its completion is expected to ease congestion, boost economic activity, and enhance regional integration.
