The deteriorating state of the Accra–Kumasi highway has sparked growing concern among motorists and residents, with calls intensifying for urgent repairs to prevent further loss of lives.

The appeal follows a recent accident on the Atwedie stretch that claimed 16 lives, leaving three survivors, including 22-year-old Cindy Kankam, who continues to struggle with injuries.

“I had a fracture in my knee, and when I regained consciousness at the hospital, I was told it had been managed. I still feel pain in my leg. The road is too narrow, and there are too many vehicles. The government should consider widening it or creating more alternative routes to prevent accidents like the one I was part of,” she said.

Communities such as Obogu remain in shock after the tragedy, with residents blaming the poor state of the highway for frequent crashes. Drivers navigating the stretch say they are forced to dodge large potholes, often swerving dangerously close to oncoming traffic.

“It is very dangerous driving on this highway. The potholes are widespread, and when drivers try to dodge them, it puts vehicles at risk of collision. It is extremely difficult to use this stretch because of its poor condition,” said regular road user Osei Danso.

Health facilities along the route, including the Juaso Government Hospital, are struggling to cope with the volume of accident victims, often referring critically injured patients to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), where bed shortages worsen their plight. The Stewards Mortuary has also become a grim stop for many fatalities.

Esther Mensah Bonsu, Deputy Administrator at Stewards Hospital, attributed the rising carnage to the deplorable road conditions and appealed to the Ghana Highways Authority to act swiftly.

Meanwhile, work on the much-anticipated Konongo bypass, touted as a solution to traffic congestion and accidents, has stalled. Contractors have abandoned the site over funding challenges, leaving motorists to endure the dangerous pothole-ridden stretch.