Airport Bypass Chaos: Commuters, residents decry deepening gridlock crisis

The Airport Bypass in Accra, once a dependable route to Ghana’s busiest travel hub, is fast becoming a traffic nightmare, sparking alarm among commuters, residents, and urban planning experts.

What was previously a smooth arterial road now frequently grinds to a halt, with some drivers reporting delays of up to an hour just to navigate the stretch leading to Kotoka International Airport.

“This is becoming unbearable. I missed my flight last week because I was stuck on the Bypass for over 45 minutes,” lamented Ama Boateng, a frequent road user.

“The authorities must find a solution before it gets completely out of hand,” she added.

While rush hour congestion is a known issue across Accra, experts point to rapid and largely uncoordinated urban development as the root cause of the worsening traffic along the Bypass.

The construction boom in the Airport enclave, especially projects such as the redevelopment of the former DVLA site at 37, Airport City 2, and The Prestige, is significantly increasing both human and vehicular density in the area.

“These developments are signs of economic growth, which we welcome,” said urban planner Kwesi Adjei.

“But the infrastructure hasn’t been upgraded to support this rapid expansion. Without a robust traffic management strategy, we are heading towards a permanent gridlock,” he added.
Beyond the growing inconvenience for travellers and workers in the area, the congestion presents a broader public safety threat.

Experts warn that delays could prove disastrous for emergency response services.

“When emergency vehicles can’t move swiftly through the city’s major corridors, it puts lives at risk. This is a security issue as much as it is a transport issue,” a concerned resident within the enclave stressed.

As frustrations mount, residents and stakeholders are calling for urgent, high-level government intervention to avert a potential urban mobility crisis.

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