Poor Road Network, Weak Leadership Blamed for Ghana’s Transport Challenges

Poor Road Network, Weak Leadership Blamed for Ghana’s Transport Challenges

Transport experts and political communicators have blamed Ghana’s worsening transport situation on poor road infrastructure, weak leadership, and the neglect of alternative transport systems.

They were speaking on Ghana Wonsom, a current affairs programme aired on Akoma FM.

Speaking on the programme, Prof. Yarhande D. Arthur, a lecturer at the University of Skills and Entrepreneurial Studies, attributed recent transport challenges largely to the poor state of roads across the country.

He argued that in the 21st century, major roads in Ghana should be constructed as dual carriageways rather than single lanes to accommodate increasing traffic volumes.

Prof. Arthur also criticised authorities in some communities for indiscriminately selling land for housing projects without reserving adequate space for future road expansion.

According to him, this practice has contributed significantly to congestion and road safety problems.

He further stressed that Ghana’s transport system should not be left entirely in private hands but should involve stronger state participation.

Adding his voice on the same programme, Emmanuel Osei Gyamfi, a Senior Communications Member of Team Kennedy Agyapong, blamed the transport situation on what he described as a lack of effective leadership. He accused transport authorities of neglecting their responsibilities, allowing drivers to operate without proper regulation.

Mr. Osei Gyamfi also criticised government priorities, stating that attention has been shifted from key economic roads to rural projects.

He cited the Kumasi–Nfensi road as an example of an important route that remains in a deplorable condition.

Meanwhile, Dr. Samuel Afriyie, a Senior Lecturer at the Kumasi Technical Business School, expressed concern on the programme about the absence of railway transport in the Ashanti Region.

He noted that the region currently has no functional railway line, a situation he described as worrying.

According to Dr. Afriyie, a railway line connecting Kumasi to Konongo would significantly ease pressure on road transport and help address current challenges.

He therefore called on authorities in the Ashanti Region to collect data on high-traffic routes and deploy government buses to such areas to help reduce congestion and improve public transportation.

The speakers collectively called for urgent reforms, improved infrastructure planning, and stronger leadership to restore efficiency and safety in Ghana’s transport system.