A convoy of massive mining equipment that caused a six-hour traffic nightmare on the Takoradi–Agona Nkwanta road has still not reached Tarkwa, The Chronicle can confirm.
The heavy-duty consignment, being hauled by MONPE Ventures, a leading heavy haulage and equipment rental company, sparked public outrage last week after its slow movement virtually crippled vehicular traffic along the busy highway, linking the twin city of Sekondi-Takoradi to the mining hub of Tarkwa.
As at Tuesday morning, this week, around the hours of 8:00am, exactly seven days after the infamous gridlock, the convoy had only reached only Apimenim, a small town located just beyond Agona Nkwanta, far from its final destination in Tarkwa.
Residents and motorists who frequently ply the route described the week-long journey as an indication of the extraordinary size and weight of the equipment being transported.
“For such heavy machines to take a whole week to move from Takoradi to Tarkwa says a lot about how massive they are,” one driver told The Chronicle.
A Week of Frustration
On the day of the incident, scores of motorists, passengers and schoolchildren were left stranded for hours in the scorching sun, as traffic backed up for several kilometers between Takoradi and AgonaNkwanta. Some frustrated commuters abandoned their vehicles and continued their journeys on foot.
Commercial drivers, especially those operating the Takoradi–Tarkwa route, lamented the lack of prior public notice or traffic control measures to manage the situation.
“It was pure chaos. We didn’t even know why the road was blocked. There was no police or road marshal to direct us,” recounted a taxi driver who was stuck in traffic for nearly five hours.
According to eyewitnesses, the convoy occupied both lanes of the narrow road, leaving no room for oncoming or overtaking vehicles.
The movement of the oversized load was so slow that it often came to a complete halt at sharp curves or inclines, further worsening the situation.
A Change in Strategy
Following the public uproar and inconvenience caused, MONPE Ventures appears to have adjusted its transportation strategy.
This reporter observed that the company is now moving the equipment in smaller batches rather than attempting to transport the entire convoy in one stretch, as was done earlier.
Currently, the equipment is being hauled from Apimenim toward Tarkwa in phases, a move that has significantly reduced the risk of severe traffic build-up.
Unlike the previous chaotic scene, vehicles travelling in both directions can now navigate past the slow-moving trucks with relative ease.
“This new approach is far better. At least, cars can still pass and the traffic doesn’t hold everyone hostage for hours like before,” said a commuter who regularly uses the route.
While the new plan appears to be easing congestion along the Apimenim–Tarkwa stretch, transport experts and local drivers warn that Tarkwa’s inner roads, known for their narrow lanes and heavy vehicular activity, could pose an even greater challenge for the convoy.
Areas such as Ahwetieso Junction, Bogoso Junction and the Market Circle are notorious for traffic jams, especially during peak hours when commercial and mining vehicles share the same narrow roads with traders and pedestrians.
“If they move those giant machines through Tarkwa during the day, they’ll definitely paralyze traffic in the town,” said a resident of Tarkwa.
To him, the only way to avoid another gridlock is to move them at night when the roads are relatively empty.
Industry observers believe MONPE Ventures may have no option but to schedule night-time haulage for the remaining leg of the journey.
The company could coordinate with the Police Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) to escort the convoy safely through congested urban sections of Tarkwa.
Night transport would not only reduce the impact on daytime traffic, but also enhance safety, as pedestrians and public transport vehicles are fewer on the roads in the night.
Such large-scale movements of mining machinery are common in the Western Region, where several multinational and local companies operate gold, bauxite and manganese mines.
However, logistical challenges, including narrow highways, aging road infrastructure and limited bypass routes often lead to disruptions when heavy-duty haulage operations are not carefully managed.
Calls for Coordination and Road Safety Measures
The incident has reignited calls for better coordination between haulage companies, the Ghana Highway Authority, and the Police Service whenever large mining equipment is being transported.
Some transport operators argue that companies moving oversized cargo should be required to issue public travel advisories and work closely with local authorities to minimize inconvenience.
“We are not saying they shouldn’t transport their machines,” said one GPRTU official in AgonaNkwanta.
“But they should plan ahead and let us know when and how they’re moving. That way, we can adjust our schedules,” he added.
Experts also emphasise the need for wider shoulders and dedicated bypass lanes on major mining corridors such as Takoradi–Tarkwa, which have become economic lifelines for Ghana’s extractive industry but are still largely single-lane roads.
For now, traffic has eased on the Takoradi–AgonaNkwanta stretch, thanks to the revised phased movement of the convoy.
But with the equipment yet to reach its final destination in Tarkwa, residents remain cautious, fearing another round of disruptions if the company does not continue to handle the operation with care.
As the mammoth machinery inches closer to Tarkwa, all eyes will be on MONPE Ventures and local authorities to ensure the remainder of the journey does not repeat the chaos witnessed the previous week.
For more news, join The Chronicle Newspaper channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBSs55E50UqNPvSOm2z
