President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Minister for Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza, to ensure that designated contraflow lanes in Accra are properly identified and marked to improve traffic management and facilitate the movement of public transport vehicles.
The directive was disclosed by the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, during an appearance on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Tuesday, November 10, 2026.
According to Mr Ayariga, the President wants the Roads and Highways Ministry to incorporate appropriate road markings into ongoing reconstruction projects and other relevant road improvement works.
The markings are expected to clearly identify sections of designated roads that will be temporarily reserved for buses travelling in the opposite direction during specific peak periods.
Mr Ayariga explained that the arrangement is intended to make it easier for motorists to distinguish between ordinary traffic lanes and those reserved for the contraflow system.
The intervention is particularly important for the Ayalolo bus service, which is expected to benefit from dedicated road space to improve passenger movement during periods of heavy congestion.
Under the proposed arrangement, selected lanes will be made available to buses travelling against the normal direction of traffic during designated operating hours.
The minister indicated that clear road markings would help prevent confusion among motorists and reduce the possibility of unauthorised vehicles entering the restricted sections.
Accra continues to experience significant traffic congestion, particularly during morning and evening rush hours, when commuters encounter lengthy delays along major transportation corridors.
The contraflow arrangement is part of broader efforts by the government to improve the efficiency of public transportation and encourage the use of high capacity buses.
However, its successful implementation will depend on adequate road signage, effective enforcement and public education to ensure that motorists understand the restrictions governing the designated lanes.
The President’s directive is therefore expected to place additional responsibility on the Roads and Highways Ministry to ensure that road reconstruction projects incorporate the necessary infrastructure to support the system.
The government is seeking to make the arrangement more predictable and orderly while improving the ability of public transport operators to move commuters through some of the capital’s busiest roads.
