New Achimota overhead bridge needs attention
The Achimota new overhead, which was hailed as a significant step forward in Accra’s road network, has begun showing signs of neglect months after its completion.
Built to ease congestion along the Accra–Nsawam highway and provide commuters with a safer, more efficient route, the bridge raises safety concerns due to poor lighting, blocked drainage, fading road markings and weak protective barriers.
Far from being a useful bridge as intended, the structure is quickly becoming a relic of neglect; and for many using it daily, it no longer instils confidence, but fear.
Commutters experience their daily walk on the bridge as an uneasy, unsafe, activity, particularly at night, when most of the lights are off.
Driving beneath the bridge, along that route, demands full concentration, as there is a lot of conflict with commuters who now do not want to take the bridge.
Commuters have to guess where the lanes are at and hope other drivers can also stay within bounds. Sharing the road with large trucks in such conditions is nerve-wracking.
In January 2025, a loaded truck crashed into the side of the bridge, overturning the car on its side. Fortunately, there were no fatalities, but the incident left many shaken.
Whenever it rains, large puddles form on the bridge’s surface. The drainage systems seem clogged or inadequate, causing water to accumulate and creating slippery patches, dangerous for motorcyclists and pedestrians. There are no warning signs.
The entire stretch is dark at night, because the streetlights do not work. Poor visibility makes navigation risky.
These problems are not new. In October 2021, the Daily Graphic reported on the poor condition of the older Achimota overhead bridge, where broken concrete, exposed iron rods, damaged expansion joints, and unchecked dumping of refuse had turned public asset into danger.
The article called on the Ministry of Roads and Highways to act, but, unfortunately, no concrete steps have yet been taken.
According to the National Road Safety Authority, at least 12 road-related incidents took place near the Achimota-Tesano corridor between February and June 2025, many of which are linked to poor road conditions and visibility on the bridge.
The Ministry of Roads and Highways and the Ghana Highway Authority is yet to undertake an inspection of the road after all the reports made public.
The ministry must address this issue promptly.
The lights must be repaired, the drains cleared, the markings repainted and the barriers reinforced with regular inspections.
This isn’t about infrastructure; it’s about lives.
The government must take action now.
We cannot wait for another accident to remind us of what should have been done. The time to act is now.
Joyce Awuni,
PR student,
Accra Technical University (ATU).
