Accra, Feb. 15, – Ghana loses an estimated GH¢4.5 billion annually due to traffic congestion, according to a new urban mobility study conducted by Glima Research, a consulting firm.
The report found that worsening gridlock in major urban centres, particularly in Accra, is significantly undermining worker productivity, household incomes and overall quality of life.
The study, titled “The Cost of Gridlock: A Policy Brief on Ghana’s Urban Traffic Crisis,” was co-authored by Mr Andy Sevordzi, Lead Research Analyst, and Mr Franklin Owusu-Kwakye, Geodetic Engineer, with contributions from Yusif Mohammed, Statistician, and Mr Rudolph Djirackor, Biochemist.
Breakdown of Economic Losses
The findings show that:
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Time lost in traffic accounts for approximately GH¢3.2 billion annually (71 per cent of total losses).
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Fuel waste contributes GH¢434 million (about 10 per cent).
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Stress- and fatigue-related productivity losses amount to GH¢815 million (18 per cent).
The research focused on the heavily congested Madina–37 corridor in Accra as a case study. Using data modelling to quantify time losses, fuel consumption and productivity impacts, the researchers scaled their findings nationwide through Glima’s traffic multiplier model.
“Traffic congestion, particularly in Accra, is more than just a nuisance; it is a massive economic sinkhole quietly draining productivity, income and quality of life,” the report stated.
Escalating Urban Crisis
The report warns that the crisis is intensifying rather than stabilising. With rapid urbanisation and rising vehicle ownership, congestion levels are projected to worsen without decisive policy interventions.
Beyond the economic toll, the environmental implications are significant. The study estimates that avoidable fuel waste from vehicles idling in traffic produces approximately 73,000 metric tons of excess carbon dioxide emissions annually — equivalent to erasing the climate benefit of roughly three million trees each year.
Congestion-induced stress and fatigue were found to reduce effective productivity by an average of 30 minutes per commuter per day. On the Madina–37 corridor alone, this translates into an annual productivity loss of GH¢72.8 million.
Other major congestion hotspots identified include Spintex Road, Mallam–Kasoa and Circle–Achimota corridors, while several regional capitals also face increasing traffic pressures.
Proposed Interventions
To mitigate the crisis, the report recommends:
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Widening critical road segments
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Upgrading inner and feeder roads to ease pressure on major highways
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Deploying smart traffic light systems
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Graveling or concreting alternative residential routes
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Decentralising government services and commercial centres to reduce travel demand
“Urban mobility investments are no longer optional but urgent, high-return economic priorities essential to safeguarding Ghana’s productivity, environmental sustainability and long-term development,” the report emphasised.
While road expansion may offer short-term relief, the study stresses that sustainable progress will require a comprehensive, forward-looking strategy that anticipates population growth and urban expansion.
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