PHOTOS: Roads in decay- Accra’s struggle with pervasive potholes

A picture, it is said, is worth a thousand words. In the case of the dilapidated state of Accra’s roads, this adage rings even more true. Potholes, those sneaky craters that hide beneath unsuspecting tyres, have become an all-too-familiar sight on the roads of the vibrant Ghanaian capital.

In this photographic exposé, we delve into some of the struggles that are routinely faced by Accra residents as they navigate all manner of obstacles, highlighting the level of decay of the city’s road network. This is just a peek into a troublesome, daunting state of affairs.

Photo 1

This photograph freezes a moment in time, capturing a worn-out stretch of road on the Kaneshie-Odorkor-Mallam highway. This stretch resembles a lunar landscape, ridden with countless potholes. It serves as a harsh reminder of the challenges faced by both pedestrians and motorists alike.

Photo 2

While many pray for rain for various reasons, many residents of Accra suffer nightmares after heavy rainfalls.  At the Odorkor traffic light, in front of a Tecno shop on the Kaneshie-Odorkor-Mallam, pools of water collect within massive potholes, creating miniature ponds that mockingly reflect the large roadside hoardings that deliver the city’s commercial messaging above.

Photo 3

This photograph was shot a few steps away from the Odorkor traffic light. It shines a light on the collateral damage inflicted by these unforgiving road craters on already tired vehicles. Here, a motorist slants over a flat tire. Besides the inconvenience, the flat tire is also a real reminder of the toll that potholes exact on residents’ savings and productivity.

Photo 4

This frame from The Teshie Ford School junction captures the convergence of chaos and patience as motorists navigate a once paved but currently a rugged dirt road pocked with holes. Like skilled acrobats, motorists manoeuvre their vehicles, defying the odds, and flitting through the obstacles presented by some of Accra’s treacherous road infrastructure.

Photo 5

This photograph is taken from the outer lane at the Odorkor traffic light on the K.A. Busia Highway. A weary pedestrian valiantly navigates a minefield of potholes. Each step is a delicate dance, avoiding the abyss and maintaining momentum. This epitomizes the daily struggle faced by many of Accra’s residents as they strive to forge ahead in the face of challenging road conditions.

Photo 6

Right in front of Kpogas Furniture showroom on K.A. Busia Highway, we witness a collaborative effort of a group of determined youth embarking on a mission to repair a massive crater in the middle of the major highway. With shovels in hand and unshakable resolve, they toil under the scorching sun, filling the potholes with debris from collapsed building walls.

Photo 7

Under the protection of ‘Awurade Adom’, and with the hope of an old testament Israelite crossing the Red Sea, this taxi driver and his passengers attempt to go through this pond in front of a Puma fuel station at Odorkor on the K.A. Busia Highway faced with two obstacles: that of the vast pothole itself, and the dirty water that fills it.

Photo 8

A young man at a T-Junction near Ford School at Teshie readies himself to tackle the task the city has ignored– provide a motorable road for residents and pedestrians. With bucket in hand, poised and ready to fill the potholes on the dilapidated road, this image symbolizes the efforts some are putting in to restore roads while improving their peculiar economic conditions.

Below are random pictures of more decayed roads in Accra.

These photographs provide just a peek into the daily struggles faced by some residents in Accra, and remind us of the urgent need for infrastructure revival. From damaged vehicles to disrupted commutes, the impact of these potholes cannot be understated.

It is a call to action, not just for local authorities, but also for all stakeholders involved, to come together and pave the way for a smoother future for all. Until then, Accra’s residents will continue their delicate dance with the potholes, hoping to navigate the treacherous maze, one tire rotation at a time.