Massive New Year Gridlock Leaves Travelers Stranded for Up to 24 Hours on Accra–Kumasi Highway

A massive traffic gridlock on the Accra–Kumasi highway left thousands of travelers stranded for hours between Wednesday, December 31, 2025, and Thursday, January 1, 2026, in what many have described as their “worst travel experience.”

The heavy congestion was triggered by the huge turnout of worshippers attending the 31st Night Service hosted by Prophet Stephen Adom Kyei-Duah, founder of the Believers Worship Centre, popularly known as the Second Chance Church.

The worst of the gridlock was recorded around Juaso and Asankari, where vehicles were brought to a complete standstill. Other significant delays were also reported near the church’s Philadelphia City project along the stretch toward Sunyani.

Motorists and commuters said they spent up to 24 hours trapped in traffic, with trucks, buses, and private vehicles immobile overnight. Many travelers lamented the lack of traffic control measures, food, water, and rest during the ordeal.

“As for this one, it’s the worst travel experience I’ve ever had in my life,” one frustrated passenger said.

By Friday, January 2, 2026, the situation had largely eased, though some residual delays were still being reported earlier in the morning as traffic gradually normalized.

Meanwhile, Prophet Adom Kyei-Duah has come under intense public scrutiny following remarks he made during the crossover service, where he reportedly advised followers to sell their properties and submit themselves fully to his spiritual direction in order to receive divine blessings. The comments have sparked widespread debate online, with some defending the spiritual leader and others condemning the advice as extreme and exploitative.

Transport analysts and sections of the public are now calling for better traffic management strategies for large religious gatherings, especially along major highways, to prevent a repeat of the New Year gridlock.