By Shine Esi Kwawukumey
Accra, Jan.13, GNA-
Accra experienced an unusual but welcome relief from traffic congestion between January 1 and January 11.
2026,
All major roads across the capital were gridlock free as vehicles moved unimpeded.
Roads typically known for heavy traffic jams, including Accra Central–Adenta, Ring Road, Osu, Achimota, Dome–Kwabenya and Atomic–Haatso, were noticeably clear, allowing vehicles to move smoothly to and fro without the usual delays.
The situation brought relief to many motorists, some of whom described the period as the best driving experience they have had in a long while.
Mr Paul Egluiw, a motorist, who experience the rare spectacle, said the absence of traffic significantly reduced his stress levels.
“This is the only time I’m driving without getting stressed,” he said.
According to him, commuting daily in Accra is usually exhausting due to persistent traffic congestion, especially between his home and workplace.
“Most times, I have to leave home as early 4:30 am just to skip the traffic and leave work around 7:00 to 7:30 pm. This can be frustrating because I don’t get enough sleep for the next day’s activities, especially when my workday is packed and eventful,” he added.
Public transport operators also welcomed the temporary ease in traffic.
Adjei Boateng, a trotro driver, said the smooth flow of vehicles translated into faster trips and increased earnings.
“When there is no traffic congestion, it is good because I can hurriedly pick and drop passengers at their destinations without wasting time. With that, I can make more money if the passengers are there,” he explained.
Some motorists attributed the light traffic situation to post-New Year travel and activities.
According to them, many residents had travelled outside Accra to celebrate the New Year with family and loved ones, while others were still engaged in church activities or taking time to rest before fully resuming work for the year.
Commuters also shared their relief at the ease of movement during the period.
Sika Abio, a commuter, described traffic congestion as one of the most frustrating aspects of daily travel in the city.
“When there is traffic, it is very irritating, especially when you are moving with a trotro.
It feels like everything has come to a standstill because, with or without traffic, they stop at every bus stop to load or drop passengers.
Adding traffic congestion makes it worse. I wish it would be like this for a long time,” she said.
As work, school and business activities pick up across the capital, vehicular congestion is gradually returning to Accra’s major roads.
However, the brief traffic relief witnessed in early January has sparked renewed conversations among motorists and commuters about traffic management, flexible work arrangements and improved transport planning.
Many believe the experience shows that smoother traffic flow in Accra is achievable, offering city authorities a timely opportunity to rethink and implement long-term solutions to the city’s persistent traffic challenges.
GNA
17 Jan. 2026
Edited by Samuel Osei-Frempong
