Why Accra’s Road Space Problem Matters — Even When Trotros Move More People

If you've ever been stuck in traffic on the Kaneshie-Odorkor road or found yourself navigating a crowded pavement in Circle, you've felt it: Accra's transport system is under immense pressure. But the root cause of our daily gridlock might not be what you think. At first glance, it may not seem like a problem. After all, trotros already move large numbers of people efficiently. A few trotros can carry what dozens of private cars would. So, giving them less road space might look like a fair trade-off. But when you look closer, this imbalance is exactly what slows the city down and makes transport more expensive, unsafe, and unequal.

The Shocking Numbers Behind Accra's Traffic

The OECD & SWAC data reveals a city of two starkly different realities. We’ve broken it down in the infographic below :

Here’s the breakdown:

• The 95%: An overwhelming majority of Accra's population—95%—moves by walking, taking trotros, or biking. This is the lifeblood of our city.

• The 5%: A small minority of 5% of the population travels by private cars and taxis.

Now, look at how our road space is divided:

• The 95% (walkers, trotro riders, bikers) are squeezed into just 25% of the available road space.

• The 5% (private cars and taxis) command a massive 75% of the road space.

This isn't just an observation; it's the core of our city's mobility problem. We are dedicating three-quarters of our infrastructure to just one-twentieth of our people.

Why This Imbalance Is Costing Everyone

This isn't an "anti-car" issue. This is a pro-efficiency and pro-equity issue. This deep infrastructure imbalance is the engine of our city-wide congestion.

When a trotro carrying 20 people is stuck in traffic behind 5 private cars carrying maybe 12 people in total, the system is failing. We are prioritizing low-occupancy vehicles over high-capacity mass transit.

This inefficiency costs us all:

• Lost Time: Commuters spend hours in gridlock, reducing productivity and time with family.

• Economic Drag: Goods and services move slower, increasing the cost of doing business.

• Public Safety: Pedestrians and bikers are the most vulnerable, and when they lack dedicated, safe spaces, the risk of accidents is high.

A Clear Path Forward: Making Space for the 95%

The solution isn't to get rid of cars. The solution is to create a more balanced and efficient system that serves everyone.

As our infographic concludes, and as strongly advocated by the OECD & SWAC 2025 report, the path forward is clear: Expanding sidewalks and creating dedicated bus and bike lanes.

• Dedicated Bus/TroTro Lanes: Imagine a trotro system that isn't stuck in traffic. By giving trotros their own lanes, they become a faster, more reliable, and more attractive option. This one move would dramatically improve daily travel for the 95%.

• Wider, Safer Sidewalks: Walking is a primary mode of transport, not an afterthought. We need sidewalks that are safe, continuous, and accessible for everyone.

• Protected Bike Lanes: Creating safe lanes for bikes and "aboboyaas" (three-wheelers) opens up new, efficient, and green mobility options for short-distance trips.

By reallocating our road space more intelligently, we aren't taking something away from the 5%; we are finally giving the 95% the safe, fast, and efficient mobility they deserve.

Accra's streets are currently serving the few, not the many. It's time to build a city that moves all its people.

Source: Four Levers for More Sustainable, Accessible, and Inclusive Transport Systems in Ghana, OECD & SWAC, 2025.

Visual Insight: Finex Skills Hub, “95% of Accra Moves on Foot or by TroTro But Gets Just 25% of Road Space,” Oct 2025.