By Ashiadey Dotse
Minister designate for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, has addressed concerns about the growing traffic congestion in Ghana’s major cities, particularly Accra and Kumasi. Speaking during his vetting on January 20,2025, he emphasized the need for a holistic approach to resolve the issue.
He acknowledged that traffic congestion is a significant challenge that affects fuel consumption and economic productivity. “No city in the world has solved traffic congestion by simply building more roads,” he stated. Instead, he proposed a combination of solutions, including upgrading roads, constructing interchanges, and improving public transport systems.
Mr. Agbodza highlighted the importance of revisiting the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system initiated under a previous government but left incomplete. He stressed the need for a more efficient public transport network to reduce the reliance on private vehicles.
“Many people drive alone to work because public transport options are insufficient. To address this, we must deploy a variety of public transport systems and create policies that discourage excessive vehicle use,” he explained.
The minister-designate also called for an integrated, inter-ministerial strategy involving the Ministries of Transport, Environment, and Roads to tackle congestion. He proposed introducing light rail systems and expanding the BRT as immediate measures.
In addressing specific hotspots, he noted that critical areas like Suame in Kumasi and major junctions in Accra require urgent attention, but limited funding has delayed progress.
Mr. Agbodza concluded by affirming his commitment to working towards sustainable solutions to ease traffic congestion and improve mobility for all Ghanaians.
