A report conducted by Glima Research, a consulting firm, has estimated that Ghana’s growing urban mobility crisis where commuters spend long hours in traffic during peak periods is costing the economy about GH¢4.5 billion every year.

The study found that traffic congestion, particularly along major gridlock hotspots in Accra, has become a major setback to worker productivity, draining incomes and significantly affecting the quality of life in the capital.

The report, titled “The cost of gridlock: a policy brief on Ghana’s Urban Traffic Crisis,” was co-authored by Andy Sevordzi, a lead research analyst, and Franklin Owusu-Kwakye, a seasoned geodetic engineer. Other team members were Yusif Mohammed, a statistician, and Rudolph Djirackor, a biochemist.

In terms of breakdown, the findings showed that time lost in traffic accounted for approximately GH¢3.2 billion annually, representing about 71% of the total estimated losses.

Fuel waste contributed GH¢434 million, or roughly 10%, while productivity losses linked to stress and fatigue amounted to GH¢815 million, representing about 18% of the total cost.

The research centered on the heavily congested Madina–37 corridor in Accra as a case study to project its national implications. The corridor was analyzed through data modelling to quantify time losses, fuel waste, and productivity impacts, which was then scaled nationwide using Gilma’s traffic multiplier model.

“Traffic congestion, particularly in Accra, is more than just a nuisance; it is a massive economic sinkhole quietly draining productivity, income, and quality of life. This crisis is far from static it is escalating; as Ghana’s urban population continues to rise, especially in key growth areas, so will the number of vehicles, the hours lost to traffic congestion, and the economic damage caused by traffic paralysis,” the report highlighted.

Describing the situation as escalating rather than static, the report warned that Ghana’s rapidly growing urban population, particularly in key growth corridors, will only intensify congestion if urgent interventions are not implemented.

Beyond the economic toll, the environmental impact is equally alarming. The study estimated that preventable fuel waste from vehicles idling in traffic results in approximately 73,000 metric tons of excess carbon dioxide emissions each year nationwide an environmental burden equivalent to wiping out the climate benefit of 3 million trees annually.

The study further revealed that congestion-induced stress and fatigue reduce effective productivity by about 30 minutes per commuter per day. On the Madina–37 corridor alone, this translates into an annual loss of GH¢72.8 million in reduced work output.

Other heavily congested routes including Spintex Road, Mallam–Kasoa, and Circle–Achimota face similar or even worse gridlock, particularly during peak hours, while several regional capitals grapple with varying degrees of traffic congestion, compounding the national economic impact.

To address the situation, the report proposed a number of interventions, including widening roads along critical segments, upgrading inner and feeder roads to reduce pressure on major highways, and deploying smart traffic lights.

“Urban mobility investments are no longer optional but urgent, high-return economic priorities essential to safeguarding Ghana’s productivity, environmental sustainability, and long-term development,” the report stated.

While widening can provide immediate relief, the report noted that sustainable improvements will require a comprehensive, multi-pronged approach that anticipates future growth rather than merely responding to current pressure.

Other recommended interventions include graveling or concreting alternative routes in residential areas as well as decentralizing government services and business centers to reduce travel demand.