By: John S. Morlu II, CPA
Let’s talk about roads. Ghanaian roads. These are not just transportation routes — they are character development programs disguised as infrastructure.
Accra Roads – The Pothole Olympics
Welcome to Accra, where every road is a surprise. Smooth tarmac? Maybe. Crater-sized pothole that could swallow a small goat? Also possible. One road can feel like five different seasons. Start smooth, get bumpy, dip into a swamp, back to concrete, then… boom, gravel pit.
Fun Fact: Some Accra residents give directions like this: “Pass the second pothole, turn left at the flooded junction, then straight till your steering starts shaking.”
Rainy Season = Choose Your Fighter
During the rainy season, roads double as rivers. You don’t drive — you swim. And if you’ve ever crossed Accra during a downpour, congratulations. You’re now eligible for a UN Peacekeeping mission.
Tro-Tro Tactics
Tro-tros (minibuses) are the real MVPs. These drivers know every shortcut, back road, and pothole-free path — even if it means driving on the sidewalk or squeezing through a goat market.
Fun Fact: One tro-tro driver was spotted reversing for 2 kilometers just to avoid a speed bump. Innovation or madness? You decide.
The Great Northern Stretch
Heading up north? Bring snacks. And shocks. Tamale to Bolgatanga can be a meditation retreat if you like bouncing in your seat and praying simultaneously. But credit where it’s due — some of Ghana’s highways are smooth, well-maintained, and surprisingly scenic. You might even forget you’re in a developing country… until a herd of cows reminds you otherwise.
Okadas: The Daredevil Commute
Motorbike taxis (okadas) are the fastest way to get around — if you like adrenaline and near-death experiences. Helmets are optional. So are brakes, sometimes.
Spiritual Side Note
Some roads are so rough, Ghanaians say a prayer before entering. Others splash water or anointing oil on their tires. It’s not just a drive — it’s a crusade.
Why It Matters
This is more than just potholes and dust. Roads reflect how a country moves — economically, socially, spiritually. Bad roads slow down dreams. Good roads connect destinies. So next time you’re stuck in traffic or bouncing down a bumpy lane, just remember: it’s not a road. It’s a rite of passage.
This is Ghana — where every mile traveled is a story, a prayer, and sometimes, a chiropractic appointment.
Bonus Insight: Ghana’s roads are like a metaphor for life — unpredictable, full of holes, but still somehow leading somewhere meaningful. Locals joke that if your suspension can survive Accra-Tema traffic, it can survive anything — even marriage.
Bonus Fun Facts:
- A Ghanaian driver once said, ‘These potholes are just dancing lessons for your tires.’
- In Ghana, Google Maps says ‘you have arrived,’ but your bumper may say otherwise.
- There are rumors a professor wrote their entire PhD thesis while stuck in Madina traffic. Twice.
- Some potholes are so deep, locals nickname them ‘The Grand Canyon of West Africa.’
Author: John S. Morlu II, CPA is the CEO and Chief Strategist of JS Morlu, leads a licensed public accounting and management consultancy firm. He has more than 20 years of professional experience in auditing and advisory work, including service as Auditor General of Liberia and FAR and DCAA compliance work at Unisys Federal Systems. The firm’s technology products include AI-powered reconciliation software (ReckSoft.com) and advanced cloud accounting solutions (FinovatePro.com), built for finance and operations teams.