Commuters on the Accra-Kumasi highway experienced nearly 24 hours of gridlock during the New Year celebrations, prompting some to cook and eat meals by the roadside to cope with hunger.
The severe traffic congestion, which primarily affected the Juaso and Asankari sections of the highway, was linked to the 31st Watchnight Service organized by the Believers Worship Centre under the leadership of Stephen Adom Kyei-Duah.
Videos shared on social media captured road users preparing food while stranded. In one video posted on X, a woman narrated how they spent New Year’s Day stuck in traffic, unable to be with their families, and resorted to cooking "ampesie," a traditional dish of plantain and stew. A driver reportedly provided a cylinder and utensils for cooking, although it was unclear how the ingredients were obtained.
Public Reactions
The incident sparked widespread discussion online. Some users suggested the need for alternative inner roads to alleviate traffic during major events, while others raised safety concerns about cooking beside vehicles. A few called for accountability, emphasizing that organizers of large gatherings must coordinate with authorities to prevent disruptions on major highways.
Reactions on X included:
@jesse_legendary: “Every region needs inner roads so traffic can divert when the main highway is blocked. Poor planning is the problem here.”
@Kingzero60: “Lighting a fire next to vehicles in a traffic jam? That’s dangerous.”
@realAnalyza: “Thousands of motorists were stranded due to poor planning. Religious events are important, but public safety cannot be ignored.”
This unusual New Year scenario highlights the challenges commuters face when major events coincide with high-traffic periods and underscores the importance of traffic management and public safety measures.
Source: YEN.com.gh
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