Motorists using the busy Kwame Nkrumah Circle Interchange were left stranded for hours after a cargo truck loaded with raw cashews broke down and damaged part of the structure, causing a major traffic gridlock.
The Benin-registered truck, transporting raw cashew nuts from northern Ghana toward Tema, reportedly lost control while climbing the interchange from the Avenor end of the road.
Driver Lost Direction After Wrong Turn
According to one of the two occupants, a Ghanaian mate on board, the vehicle was mistakenly directed onto the Accra route at Achimota instead of the N1 Highway, which would have led them directly to Tema.
The mate admitted he was drowsy at the time of the journey, adding that he later dozed off before reaching the Kwame Nkrumah Circle Interchange.
As a result, he was unable to guide the Benin driver to use the correct roundabout exit, leading to the truck losing control while attempting to mount the interchange.
Traffic Paralysed for Eight Hours
From midnight until about 8:00 a.m., the stranded truck completely blocked one of the main access routes into central Accra, causing severe traffic congestion across surrounding roads.
Commuters heading into the city center were forced to endure long delays as vehicles queued for hours.
Authorities later confirmed that the truck also caused structural damage to parts of the interchange during the incident.
Police Tow Vehicle Clears the Road
Traffic flow was eventually restored after a police towing vehicle arrived to remove the damaged truck and transport it to the PTC for further inspection.
No casualties were reported, but the incident has renewed concerns about driver alertness, route planning, and the risks associated with driving under the influence of alcohol.
Police are expected to conduct further investigations into the circumstances leading to the incident.
By paqmediagh/Peter Quao Adattor
