The Ghana Police Service has issued a public statement urging pedestrians and motorists to exercise caution and adhere to traffic diversions and roadblocks that will be in place from 21st to 24th September 2024.
In their press release, the Police Service specifically advised pedestrians to avoid using the stretch between the African Union (AU) Roundabout and the 37 Roundabout.
“Alternative arrangements would be made for persons accessing the 37 Military Hospital, TV3, and individuals accessing their homes in the affected enclave during the period,” the statement highlighted.
The announcement, part of a larger police special operation in Accra, is aimed at ensuring public safety and maintaining smooth traffic flow as critical security measures are implemented.
These temporary road changes are designed to support enhanced police operations and protect high-traffic areas while minimizing inconvenience to the public.
From the 21st to 24th of September, major roads in Accra will experience significant disruptions. Affected routes include:
Traffic from the Central Business District (CBD) attempting to access Independence Avenue and Liberation Road will be blocked at the AU Roundabout. This area is expected to see significant congestion as detours come into effect, and the public is advised to use alternative routes.
Vehicles from the AU Roundabout heading towards Ridge Roundabout will need to divert onto Castle Road, passing through the Kanda Highway and Kawukudi Traffic Light (Gold House Traffic Light). This route provides an alternate connection to the Kanda Highway, reducing pressure on the Independence Avenue stretch.
Motorists will also have the option of using Lokko Street as an alternative route. Traffic from AU Roundabout can link up with Lokko Street to access Labone and adjacent areas through Independence Avenue, easing congestion along major routes.
For traffic coming from Madina towards central Accra, vehicles will terminate at the 37 Roundabout. Diversions will then direct them towards the Obasanjo Highway, leading to House Traffic Light, where they will turn onto the Dr. Liman Highway (Kanda Highway). This route allows access to the Ridge Roundabout and Castle Road, eventually leading back into Accra’s Central Business District.
Traffic from 37 Roundabout will also be diverted onto Giffard Road (also known as Burma Camp Road), passing through the Second Circular Road in front of the Ghana International School. From there, vehicles can access Cantonments Road, which leads to Dankwa Circle. This route is expected to significantly relieve pressure on the Giffard Road section, directing vehicles away from key areas of congestion.
Motorists looking for alternatives can use Giffard Road towards the Trade Fair area to join the Beach Road. This route provides a direct line towards the Central Business District and reduces the strain on Liberation Road and other heavily used roads.
The Presidential Drive behind the 37 Roundabout will be blocked at the Kanda Post Office Junction. Motorists will be rerouted to use Dr. Liman Highway (Kanda Highway) to access alternative roads in the city.
Traffic from the AU Roundabout will also be diverted to turn right onto the Obasanjo Highway, where it will continue to the Gold House Traffic Light and connect to Dr. Liman Highway and beyond. This stretch will serve as a crucial connector for vehicles looking to bypass blocked areas.
Finally, the road in front of Prudential Bank, stretching from the Ring Road towards TV3, will be completely blocked. Motorists accessing the TV3 area or nearby points should use alternative routes provided by the police.
Police Assistance and Public Cooperation
The Ghana Police Service emphasized that officers from the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) will be stationed at key points to manage traffic flow and assist the public in navigating the diversions.
Residents living in the vicinity of the blocked areas are also expected to experience disruptions. The police advised them to familiarize themselves with the diversions and cooperate with law enforcement to ensure their safety and smooth movement.
While the press release did not specify the reasons for the police special operations, it is implied that the exercise is linked to heightened security protocols and public safety. The operation may involve high-profile events or increased security concerns in the area, and the temporary diversions form part of a broader strategy to minimize risk and ensure the public’s safety.
As the special operations unfold, the Ghana Police Service is encouraging all motorists to exercise patience and adhere to the alternative routes and diversions outlined to avoid delays.
The public is encouraged to stay informed and monitor official updates to adjust their travel plans accordingly.
In anticipation of heavy congestion, the Police Service thanked the public for their cooperation and understanding, acknowledging the inconvenience these diversions may cause.
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