Abeka residents angry over NDC's request to block highway for rally

Residents of Abeka in the Okaikwei Central Constituency of the Greater Accra Region, have expressed outrage over the National Democratic Congress (NDC) request to block the Abeka highway for a rally featuring former President John Dramani Mahama on Sunday, September 15, 2024.

According to the residents, the area is notorious for heavy traffic even on regular days due to the absence of designated bus stops, which forces commercial drivers to park along the road.

Many fear that closing the highway for a political rally will exacerbate the already challenging traffic conditions in the area.

Several residents voiced their concerns in interviews on Friday, September 14, after noticing preparations by NDC officials for the rally at Abeka Mantse Agbonaa.

While they acknowledged the importance of the rally, they were upset given the traffic situation in the area.

The NDC had submitted a letter dated September 13, 2024, signed by Constituency Secretary Ebenezer Potakey, seeking permission to block the highway as part of the campaign tour of their flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama.

However, the Okaikwei North Municipal Assembly declined the request, citing the heavy traffic flow on the Abeka highway and its importance to local commuters.

In a letter signed by Municipal Chief Executive, Boye Laryea on Friday, September 13, 2024, the Assembly stated that the Municipal Security Committee had refused to approve the roadblock.

The letter, which was also copied to the NDC and the Divisional Commander, District Commander, and the Motor Transport and Traffic Department of the Ghana Police Service, advised the NDC to collaborate with the police to find a more convenient and secure venue for the rally.