Ghana Faces Economic Loss of Over GHS4.5 Billion Annually Due to Traffic Congestion

Accra: Ghana's escalating urban mobility crisis is costing the nation's economy an estimated GHS4.5 billion each year, as revealed by a recent study conducted by Glima Research, a consulting firm. The study highlights how prolonged hours spent by commuters in traffic during peak times significantly impact worker productivity, drain incomes, and adversely affect the quality of life, particularly in Accra. According to Ghana News Agency, the report titled 'The cost of gridlock: a policy brief on Ghana's Urban Traffic Crisis' was co-authored by Mr. Andy Sevordzi, a lead research analyst, and Franklin Owusu-Kwakye, a geodetic engineer. Additional contributors included Yusif Mohammed, a statistician, and Mr. Rudolph Djirackor, a biochemist. The findings reveal that time lost in traffic accounts for approximately GHS3.2 billion annually, making up about 71 percent of the total estimated losses. Fuel waste contributes GHS434 million, or about 10 percent, while productivity losses related to stress and fatigue amoun t to GHS815 million, representing roughly 18 percent of the total cost. The study used the heavily congested Madina-37 corridor in Accra as a case study to project national implications. Data modeling assessed time losses, fuel waste, and productivity impacts, which were then scaled nationwide using Glima's traffic multiplier model. The report underscores that traffic congestion in Accra is a significant economic drain, affecting productivity, income, and quality of life. The report warns that the crisis is escalating, driven by Ghana's rapidly growing urban population and increasing vehicle numbers, which exacerbate congestion and economic damage. Beyond economic costs, the environmental impact is also concerning, with preventable fuel waste from idling vehicles resulting in approximately 73,000 metric tons of excess carbon dioxide emissions annually. Congestion-induced stress and fatigue were found to reduce effective productivity by about 30 minutes per commuter per day, with the Madina-37 corridor alon e accounting for an annual loss of GHS72.8 million in reduced work output. Other congested routes such as Spintex Road, Mallam-Kasoa, and Circle-Achimota experience similar gridlock issues, amplifying the national economic impact. To mitigate the situation, the report proposes several interventions, including widening roads, upgrading inner and feeder roads, and deploying smart traffic lights. It emphasizes that urban mobility investments should be viewed as urgent economic priorities essential for safeguarding productivity, environmental sustainability, and long-term development in Ghana. The report suggests that while road widening can offer immediate relief, sustainable improvements necessitate a comprehensive approach that anticipates future growth. Other recommendations include developing alternative routes in residential areas and decentralizing government services and business centers to reduce travel demand.