A tipper truck accident on the Accra-Tema Motorway has brought traffic to a grinding halt on Monday morning, leaving thousands of commuters stranded.
The truck, reportedly carrying a full load of stones, overturned on the stretch between the 18 Junction and 1st Signboard area, spilling its contents across multiple lanes. The accident caused extensive congestion in both directions, as vehicles inched along or stood still in gridlock that lasted for hours.
Eyewitnesses say the truck toppled around mid-morning but, as of the time of the incident, no emergency responders or police officers were on site to manage the situation or direct traffic. Commuters described the scene as chaotic, with private vehicles, commercial minibuses, and long-haul trucks all locked in a slow, frustrating crawl.
“This is the third time in two weeks I’ve been stuck here because of some accident or breakdown. But this is by far the worst,” said Kwabena Mensah, a commuter heading to Tema. “And the most painful part is that there’s no sign of any authorities. We’re just left to fend for ourselves.”
The lack of immediate emergency response drew heavy criticism from motorists, many of whom expressed anger at what they described as a “predictable disaster” made worse by poor coordination and late intervention.
Several drivers took to social media to post videos and photos of the scene, calling on the Ghana Police Service and the National Road Safety Authority to act swiftly to clear the obstruction and restore order.
The accident forced some drivers to attempt dangerous U-turns or navigate through rough shoulders and inner paths, further compounding the risks on the already overstretched motorway. Those unable to reroute were forced to sit through hours of motionless traffic.
Officials later advised motorists to avoid the stretch and seek alternative routes. However, for many stuck on the road at the time, such advice came too late.
The tipper truck, visibly damaged and lying across the lane, was left unattended for an extended period. Passengers in commercial vehicles could be seen stepping out to walk long distances.
The Accra-Tema Motorway, a major transport corridor connecting Ghana’s capital to the industrial city of Tema, has seen a series of traffic-related incidents in recent months. Critics say its poor lighting, minimal surveillance, and slow emergency reaction times have made it increasingly unsafe for commuters.
