The Minister of Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza, has urged motorists travelling on the Accra-Kumasi Highway to exercise patience and caution as the government works to ease congestion and improve conditions on the route.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, September 29, Mr Agbodza said the highway has been operating beyond its capacity for several years, making it increasingly difficult for motorists to maintain a steady flow, particularly during periods of heavy traffic.
He said congestion on the highway sometimes forces motorists to make risky manoeuvres as they try to get through traffic, a situation that has occasionally resulted in accidents.
The Minister therefore urged drivers to exercise extra caution on the route while the government works to address the challenges contributing to the congestion.
“It’s obvious the capacity of the existing Accra-Kumasi Highway exceeded way back, and you will just notice that drivers are struggling to drive at a consistent pace on the road,” Mr Agbodza said.
He explained that congestion was among the factors contributing to risky driving on the highway, with some motorists resorting to unsafe overtaking and manoeuvres that could endanger themselves and other road users.
“On many occasions the congestion is what causes some drivers to try dangerous manoeuvres that unfortunately ends up in disaster sometimes,” he said.
Mr Agbodza said the government was taking steps to address the challenges on the Accra-Kumasi Highway as work continues on planned improvements to the existing road and the proposed expressway.
He also commended the highways authorities, consultants and contractors for the work completed so far and for their return to the project site.
The Minister said the inspection was part of efforts to assess the condition of the highway and monitor the progress of ongoing works.
As measures are being implemented to ease pressure on the route, Mr Agbodza urged motorists to remain patient, particularly when faced with slow-moving traffic.
He also stressed that the completion of the rehabilitation works should not be interpreted as a licence for motorists to ignore road safety regulations or engage in reckless driving.