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 globally recognized public accounting and management consultancy firm. Under his visionary leadership, JS Morlu has become a pioneer in developing cutting-edge technologies across B2B, B2C, P2P, and B2G verticals. The firm’s groundbreaking innovations include AI-powered reconciliation software (ReckSoft.com) and advanced cloud accounting solutions (FinovatePro.com), setting new industry standards for efficiency, accuracy, and technological excellence.