Nat’l Tymes News Desk
ACCRA, Ghana’s vibrant and fast-growing capital, has in recent years witnessed a worrying trend; the blocking of major public roads for private events such as weddings, funerals, church programs, political rallies, and entertainment shows.
While these gatherings hold social and cultural importance, their frequent use of public roads has become a growing concern for residents, authorities, and city planners.
Traffic Chaos and Daily Inconvenience
The city of Accra already struggles with severe traffic congestion, particularly during rush hours. When roads are closed for private events, the situation worsens dramatically. Commuters are often caught in unexpected gridlocks, forced to spend extra hours in traffic or find alternative routes through already busy streets. The result is frustration, lost productivity, and increased stress for motorists and pedestrians alike.
Economic Setbacks for Businesses and Workers
The economic cost of these blockages is far-reaching. Businesses situated along affected routes experience reduced patronage as customers are unable to access their shops or offices. Commercial transport operators and delivery services lose valuable time and income, while fuel consumption rises due to prolonged idling in traffic. Over time, these inefficiencies weaken business confidence and urban productivity.
Weak Enforcement and Disregard for Public Order
In many cases, these road closures occur without proper authorization from the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), the Ghana Police Service, or the Department of Urban Roads. Event organizers sometimes erect tents, canopies, and stages on busy roads without notice. This disregard for public order reflects weak enforcement of city by-laws and limited coordination among municipal agencies responsible for traffic and event management.
Public Safety at Risk
The blocking of major roads also raises serious safety concerns. In emergencies, ambulances, fire trucks, and police vehicles may be unable to reach victims or respond to crises on time. Such delays can result in preventable loss of lives and property. It is therefore critical that emergency routes and major thoroughfares remain open and accessible at all times.
Erosion of Civic Responsibility
This practice also exposes a deeper social issue; a decline in civic responsibility. While individuals and groups have every right to celebrate personal milestones or organize public events, these rights must be exercised responsibly. Blocking public infrastructure for private use inconveniences thousands and disrupts public life. Citizens must be reminded that shared spaces like roads belong to everyone, not a select few.
Environmental and Health Implications
The environmental impact of this practice is another area of concern. Prolonged traffic jams increase air pollution as vehicles emit more fumes while idling. Noise from loudspeakers, music systems, and generators at these events disturbs nearby residents and businesses, affecting health and productivity. The long-term environmental consequences add to the city’s already complex urban challenges.
The Way Forward
To address this growing problem, city authorities must strengthen the enforcement of event permit regulations. Organizers should be required to obtain official approval and present a traffic management plan before hosting any event that affects a public road. The police and local assemblies must collaborate closely to monitor compliance and impose penalties on defaulters. Additionally, public education campaigns can help promote civic discipline and respect for shared spaces.
Conclusion
Accra’s progress toward becoming a modern, livable, and well-organized city depends on both citizens and authorities playing their part. Public roads are vital arteries of urban life; they should not be turned into private venues for social functions. By enforcing discipline, strengthening law enforcement, and nurturing civic responsibility, Ghana can ensure that its capital remains safe, accessible, and efficient for all.
Source: Nationaltymes.com
