The Ghana Police Service has outlined a comprehensive set of traffic control measures, including road closures and diversions, in preparation for Friday’s interfaith state funeral honoring victims of the recent military helicopter crash. The funeral service is set to take place at Independence Square in Accra on August 15.
The Ghana Police Service said the temporary restrictions are aimed at ensuring public safety and maintaining order during the high-profile ceremony, which is expected to draw senior government officials, dignitaries, military personnel, and members of the public.
Road Closures
Several major arteries in and around Independence Square will be off-limits to vehicular traffic for the duration of the event. Roads affected include:
28th February Road from the CEPS Traffic Light Intersection to Castle Road Junction
Osu Cemetery Traffic Light on Lokko Street
Castle Road from the African Union (AU) intersection to Osu Cemetery Traffic Light
Starlet 91 Road, closed at the Ministries Traffic Light Intersection
Traffic Diversions
Motorists traveling through central Accra are advised to expect significant delays and seek alternative routes. Key diversions announced include:
Vehicles coming from La, Labone, and Osu along 28th February Road heading towards the Ministries or Central Business District will be redirected onto Salem Avenue Road at Castle Traffic Light and connected to Oxford Street.
Traffic from Lokko Street intending to access Castle Road should reroute via Ajumaku Street and Oxford Street in Osu.
Commuters from John Evans Atta Mills High Street en route to Black Star Square will be diverted at the CEPS Traffic Intersection toward Liberia Road and the National Theatre area.
Drivers from the AU Circle aiming to reach Castle Road via the Osu Cemetery Traffic Light must detour through Abdul Diouf and King Hassan Roads, reconnecting with Abdul Nasser Road near the Ghana Institute of Journalism.
Parking and Access Restrictions
Strict parking protocols will be enforced, with entry into the Black Star Square and designated parking areas limited to vehicles bearing official RED VVIP stickers. Authorized parking zones include:
Black Star Square (VVIP/VIP)
Forecourt of the State House
Accra International Conference Centre
Access Bank Car Park
Osu Cemetery Car Park
Accra Sports Stadium Car Park
Ministries Area
Ministry of Food and Agriculture Car Park
Marine Drive Football Park
Afua Sutherland Children’s Park
Enforcement and Compliance
The Police Service has deployed towing and recovery vehicles to remove unauthorized or abandoned cars. Officials emphasized that no exceptions will be made for vehicles found in restricted zones or parked in non-designated areas.
Authorities are urging the public, particularly motorists, to comply with all traffic directives and cooperate with law enforcement officers deployed across the capital.
The state funeral follows a tragic military helicopter crash that claimed multiple lives and sparked a period of national mourning. Friday’s ceremony is expected to serve as a unifying moment of remembrance across religious and political lines.
