Potholes, Unauthorized Speed Ramps Disrupting Our Businesses — Kumasi Drivers Express Frustration
Commercial transport operators cite rising vehicle maintenance costs, traffic delays, and declining daily income as worsening road conditions hinder movement across major Kumasi routes.
- Poor road conditions and unauthorized speed ramps are disrupting transport services in Kumasi.
- Commercial drivers say traffic delays and fewer trips are reducing their daily income.
- Drivers are urging the KMA to rehabilitate roads and regulate illegal speed ramp construction.
Commercial drivers operating within Kumasi are intensifying calls for urgent intervention as deteriorating road conditions and the proliferation of unauthorized speed ramps continue to disrupt transport services and livelihoods across key routes in the metropolis.
According to the drivers, major corridors such as Atinga Junction to Sokoban, Abrepo Junction to Sofoline, as well as feeder roads linking surrounding communities to Abrepo, have become increasingly difficult to navigate due to deep potholes and uneven road surfaces. Many describe the situation as worsening daily, with little visible effort being made to provide lasting repairs.
Drivers plying the Anloga Junction to Asokwa stretch have also raised concerns over similar conditions. They report that the combination of road damage and the emergence of unapproved, poorly constructed speed ramps has significantly slowed vehicular movement, particularly during peak hours when traffic volumes are high.
In interviews with reporters from Lawson News, conducted by journalists Sarkodie Samuel and Asonaba, several commercial drivers expressed frustration over the operational and financial toll of the situation.
They explained that frequent stops, reduced speeds, and traffic congestion caused by potholes and irregular speed ramps have reduced the number of trips they can complete in a day.
“This is our daily work, and when roads slow us down like this, it directly affects how much we earn,” one driver lamented. “Sometimes you spend so much time on one trip that you cannot even make enough to cover fuel and other expenses.”
Beyond lost income, drivers also pointed to the rising cost of vehicle maintenance. They noted that constant exposure to rough roads is leading to frequent breakdowns, suspension damage, tire wear, and other mechanical issues, placing additional financial strain on operators who are already dealing with high fuel prices and economic pressures.
Some drivers also raised safety concerns, warning that the unregulated construction of speed ramps — often built without proper engineering standards — poses risks not only to vehicles but also to passengers. In some cases, these ramps are reportedly too steep or poorly marked, increasing the likelihood of accidents, especially at night or during periods of heavy traffic.
The drivers are therefore appealing to the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) and other relevant stakeholders to take swift and decisive action. They are calling for the immediate rehabilitation of affected roads, as well as stricter enforcement measures to prevent the indiscriminate installation of unauthorized speed ramps.
They emphasized that improving road conditions would not only enhance traffic flow but also boost economic activity by enabling transport operators to work more efficiently and safely.
As Kumasi continues to grow as a commercial hub, stakeholders say addressing these infrastructural challenges is critical to sustaining mobility, supporting local businesses, and ensuring the safety of all road users.
By: Samuel Sarkodie
