Junkies, lunatics takeover Kwame Nkrumah Interchange

Barely one month after the inauguration of the multi-million Euro Kwame Nkrumah Interchange in Accra, has the historical monument become an abode for junkies and lunatics.

The junkies, lunatics and pick pockets are using the shade under the three-tier 1.2 kilometre flyover either as their “resting rooms or bedrooms,” while some hawkers also freely ply their trades there.

The situation has not only become an eyesore, but is causing a lot of nuisance to passers-by, motorists and passengers, who patronise lorry terminals at the Nkrumah interchange.

When The Ghanaian Times reporter visited the area, during the night, she saw some people sleeping under the flyover.

Some were sleeping on the bare concrete floor, while others were sleeping on dismantled cartons spread over the place.

Those who were not asleep were seen freely smoking substances suspected to be Indian hemp (wee) in the presence of girls believed to be prostitutes.

Their activities have also led to sanitation challenges at the area and its immediate environs, as those who operate at the place indiscriminately dump refuse and plastic bags containing toilet.

A cross-section of the public the Times spoke to, wonder why the city authorities have turned a blind eye to the situation.

They said the presence of the people there was a security risk as pick pockets were having a field day and robbing innocent people of their bags and other valuables, even during the day.

When contacted, the Metro Coordinating Director of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), Mr. Sam Ayeh-Datey, said his outfit was aware of the situation.

He said AMA would soon fence the area to prevent people, especially hawkers, lunatics and junkies from loitering around the area.

Mr. Datey said a taskforce would be empowered to ensure that the place was kept clean and deter encroachers.

He advised the public to desist from any negative attitude that would ruin the beauty of the monument.

The Kwame Nkrumah Interchange, a flagship project, was constructed to ease the traffic congestion around the Circle area, thereby reducing travel time, vehicle operation cost and stimulating economic growth.

Built by Brazilian firm, Queiroz Galvo Construction, it is the highest and longest flyover in West Africa and cost 74.88 million Euros.

It was formally opened by former President John Mahama on Monday, November 14, 2016.