A loaded transit truck has been left parked along the Achimota stretch of the Accra–Nsawam road in Ghana for more than a month, causing congestion and raising concerns about road safety, national security, and enforcement. The truck, registered in Lagos State, Nigeria, with the registration number T-26001LA, has been photographed by Appiah Kusi Adomako, Director of the West Africa Regional Centre of CUTS International in Accra. CUTS International Accra has criticised the prolonged failure of state agencies to address the issue.
The truck is parked less than 100 metres from where police officers regularly direct traffic at Neoplan Junction, highlighting the failure of authorities to address the obstruction despite its proximity to routine police operations. According to CUTS, traffic management requires officers to identify hazards and ensure their removal. The organisation questions how the obstruction has remained unresolved for weeks, despite being close to police operations.
The Road Traffic Regulations, 2026, L.I. 2519, provide a basis for intervention in such cases. Regulation 235(1)(e) prohibits parking on a road except in an emergency with adequate advance warning, while Regulation 235(3)(e) prohibits parking on a hard shoulder except in an emergency. Additionally, Regulation 127(1) requires the owner or person in charge to ensure immediate removal of a broken-down vehicle, and Regulation 127(7) allows the Police or NRSA to tow a vehicle left in a dangerous position.
CUTS has also raised concerns about the potential security risks associated with the truck, as there is no verified information about its cargo or whether the authorities have inspected it. The organisation draws attention to the Appiatse disaster of 20 January 2022, when a collision involving a truck transporting mining explosives resulted in an explosion that devastated the community. This incident demonstrates the severe consequences of road incidents involving hazardous materials.
The Beirut port explosion in Lebanon on August 2020, which killed over 200 people and injured thousands, also highlights the importance of identifying and assessing the risks associated with hazardous cargo. CUTS urges the responsible agencies to inspect the truck and establish the appropriate safeguards without further delay. The organisation makes no allegation about the contents of the truck but emphasises the need for prompt action.
CUTS is calling on the Ghana Police Service, National Security, NRSA, and the relevant municipal assembly to inspect the truck immediately, identify its owner and operator, and verify the cargo. The agencies should assess the risks, provide appropriate warnings, and arrange safe removal using suitable equipment. They must also explain the prolonged failure to clear the obstruction and investigate any neglect of duty.
To prevent similar situations in the future, CUTS urges the agencies to establish routine checks and clear reporting arrangements for stationary trucks along major roads. The organisation emphasises that the owner must take responsibility for the truck and that state agencies must fulfil their enforcement responsibilities to ensure road safety and prevent similar incidents.
Key points
- The truck has been parked for over a month, causing congestion and safety concerns.
- CUTS is calling for immediate inspection and removal of the truck.
- The incident highlights the need for improved enforcement and monitoring of cargo vehicles.
