The Kwame Nkrumah Interchange in Accra, Ghana, is a major transport hub that connects thousands of vehicles to different directions both inter-city and intra-city, with more than 20 lorry terminals. The interchange is meant to ease congestion and enhance free movement of vehicles and commuters. However, the area has been plagued with illegal activities, resulting in congestion and criminal activities that undermine the intended purpose of the project.
The area used to have only a roundabout to distribute the thousands of vehicles that use the corridor to connect in different directions, including major towns and cities like Kumasi, Takoradi, Cape Coast, Tema, Aflao, Korle Bu, Teshie/Nungua, Odorkor, and Accra. The interchange has terminals for various transport unions and networks, including those that travel to the West Coast, such as GUO and EFEX.
The congestion at the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange is mainly caused by hawkers and street vendors who set up makeshift shops, blocking the walkways and parts of the streets. The area has also seen an influx of illegal parking activities by commercial and private vehicles, including ‘Okadas’ and trotros. The situation worsens in particular parts of the area when there is no police presence, and crime has been on the rise due to the increasing levels of congestion.
The Municipal Chief Executive of the Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly (KKMA), Samuel James Nii Adjei Tawiah, said the assembly was employing measures to decongest roads and spaces around the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange, including getting rid of hawkers and beggars from the streets, relocating street vendors to newly built markets, strict enforcement of bye-laws on parking in collaboration with the private sector, and a new plan to create car parking spaces such as on-street parking within the city centre.
Ultimately, the measures adopted will help reduce streetism, promote sanitation, and organise the commercially vibrant area to bring serenity and comfort to city dwellers. Addressing the concerns of the public, the MCE noted that growing public indiscipline had enormously contributed to the present chaotic situation in the area. Therefore, an attitudinal change is needed.
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