Accra’s disturbing potholes endanger motorists

Some major roads and highways in Accra have developed serious potholes, making driving on those roads dangerous for motorists and other road users.

Motorists who use these roads frequently indicated that their repeated calls to the authorities to fix the potholes have fallen on deaf ears, leaving them to navigate the damaged stretches at their own risk.

Abeka Lapaz

A visit by **MyJoyOnline **to some of the affected areas showed the extent of the problem and the daily struggle drivers go through to avoid damage to their vehicles or accidents.

At the Abeka Lapaz interchange, a portion of the busy outer lane had developed a deep pit.

Drivers say the pothole keeps breaking car axles and forcing them to swerve suddenly into other lanes, a situation that could easily cause accidents, especially during rush hours.

On the UPSA road

On the UPSA road, near the University of Ghana Business School, several potholes have also developed.

The road, which is used by students, lecturers, and residents, has become difficult to drive on, with motorists slowing down to avoid the damaged portions.

At East Legon, on the American House main road, there are also potholes.

The area is one of the busiest commercial and residential zones in Accra, and drivers say the potholes cause heavy traffic congestion as vehicles queue to dodge them.

At the Sakaman Junction traffic light, on the Accra-Kasoa Highways, there is another dangerous pothole.

Motorists say the pothole is particularly risky because drivers who stop at the traffic light are forced to move over it when the light turns green, causing damage to tyres and suspensions.

Similar potholes were also found at the New Bortianor and West Hills Mall area, where drivers say the road has deteriorated badly and needs urgent attention.

Many motorists who spoke during the visit expressed frustration over the state of the roads.

East Legon

They said they spend huge sums of money repairing their vehicles due to damage caused by the potholes, while others expressed fear for their safety, especially when driving at night or rainy days.

The potholes are filled with water and are difficult to identify when there is a downpour.

They are therefore appealing to the Ghana Highway Authority, the Department of Urban Roads, and the Accra Metropolitan Assembly to urgently repair the potholes before they cause serious accidents and loss of life.