Zabzugu MP Urges Government to Tackle Urban Traffic Congestion
The Member of Parliament for Zabzugu, Hon. Alhassan Umar, has called on the government to take immediate and decisive action to address the worsening traffic congestion in Ghana’s major cities, particularly Accra and Kumasi.
In a statement delivered on the floor of Parliament on Thursday, March 27, Hon. Umar described the traffic situation as a growing national crisis with significant economic, environmental, and social consequences.
He noted that congestion not only disrupts the smooth flow of vehicles but also hampers productivity and revenue mobilization.
Citing the World Bank’s 2021 report “Connecting the Dots: People, Jobs, and Social Services in Urban Ghana,” Hon. Umar revealed that 70% of major roads in Accra are congested during peak hours, with vehicle speeds dropping below 20 km/h.
He also pointed out that while Accra’s population has grown by over 35% in the last two decades, road infrastructure has failed to keep pace.
The MP stressed that Ghana loses approximately $200 million annually due to traffic congestion, resulting from lost man-hours, increased fuel consumption, and delayed business operations.
He also highlighted health concerns, referencing a 2022 report by the Environmental Protection Agency which attributes 70% of urban air pollution to vehicle emissions, posing risks such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
Hon. Umar identified several key factors behind the congestion, including, Rapid urbanization and increased vehicle ownership, Poorly maintained and inadequate road infrastructure, An inefficient public transport system dominated by informal operators, Weak traffic management and enforcement of road laws
To address these challenges, he proposed a multi-faceted strategy that includes, Implementation of modern public transport systems, such as a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) network and Light Rail Transit (LRT)
In addition, he called for expansion and modernization of road infrastructure, including construction of flyovers, underpasses, and non-motorized lanes
Hon Umar also proposed a deployment of smart traffic management technologies, including intelligent traffic lights and automated ticketing, strict enforcement of traffic regulations, including penalties for illegal parking and reckless driving and behavioural change interventions, such as promoting carpooling, ride-sharing, and remote working
“Road traffic congestion is choking our economy, polluting our air, and diminishing our quality of life,” Hon. Umar told Parliament. “Addressing this issue requires coordinated action from government, engineers, transport operators, and commuters.”
He concluded with a call for urgent policy interventions to create a more efficient and sustainable urban transport system.
“The time for action is now. Let us reset and create the Ghana we want—a nation where movement is seamless and sustainable,” he said.
Source: Felix Nyaaba/expressnewsghana.com
About Author
