On Wednesday, November 22, 2023 some parts of Accra experienced a major gridlock, which resulted in substantial inconvenience to the general public and road users. There was heavy traffic on the Accra-Ofankor stretch with rippling effects on other roads in the city. Road users went through a lot of frustration and resulting delays in reaching their destinations and work places.
Traffic congestion is one of the major barriers to economic development of developing economies, resulting in severe social and economic impacts. Therefore, any man made cause of traffic congestion should not be treated lightly. Whilst organising events are integral, the inadvertent disruptions caused to public life warrant a reassessment of event planning strategies.
The Chronicle is, therefore, glad that the Ghana Police Service yesterday rendered an unqualified apology to the public for the traffic congestion experienced on the Accra-Ofankor stretch of the N6 Highway on November 22, 2023. According to the Police, the congestion was attributed to the Course 52 Cadet Officers’ Graduation Ceremony held at the Ghana Police Depot.
In the statement, the Police acknowledged the inconvenience caused to the commuting public and other road users. They assured the public that lessons have been learned from the incident, and measures will be taken to enhance the management of traffic during similar events in the future.
The apology issued by the police for the inconvenience caused by the traffic disruption is a significant step towards acknowledging the unintended consequences of their celebratory event. This reflects a commendable attitude in recognising the inconvenience that was faced by road users on the said day.
Whilst acknowledging the importance of celebrating significant milestones such as graduations, it is equally imperative to factor in the impact of these events on public convenience. Law enforcement agencies, as guardians of order, must strike a balance between honoring achievements and minimising disruptions to daily life.
Since the Ghana Police Service has regional depots all across the sixteen regions of the country, The Chronicle would advise that next time they should choose event venues outside Accra, the capital, if the ceremony is to be held on a weekday. If this is done it will go a long way to significantly alleviate commuter inconveniences.
Also, it would be helpful in enhancing communication with the public about such scheduled events and associated traffic diversions. This allows commuters to plan their journeys better, reducing frustration and inconvenience.
The Chronicle advocates for a thoughtful reflection on this incident, emphasising the importance of learning from such occurrences. The focus should be on adopting proactive measures and fostering collaborative solutions that prioritise public convenience without undermining the celebration of such events.
