The vibrant spirit of Easter has taken a frustrating turn for dozens of holiday travelers as a severe shortage of vehicles at the Neoplan Station in Accra has left many passengers stranded and restless.
With the Easter festivities drawing people from all corners of the capital to celebrated destinations like Kwahu, Kumasi, and other parts of the country, the annual rush to return home or celebrate with loved ones is in full swing. But this year, travelers are finding themselves stuck at the mercy of limited transportation options.
By Friday morning, long queues had formed at the Neoplan Station, with anxious travelers holding bags and baskets, some with children in tow, hoping to secure a seat on a bus. Despite arriving as early as 4:00 AM, many passengers were still waiting hours later with no guarantee of departure.
“I came here at dawn to catch a bus to Kumasi, but up till now, not even one has arrived,”said Ama Owusu, a trader eager to join her family for the Easter celebrations. “This is very frustrating. We just want to go home and enjoy the holiday.”
Transport operators at the station blame the situation on the increased demand and a delay in the return of vehicles from earlier trips. Many of the buses that departed on Thursday have not yet returned, creating a logistical bottleneck.
“Easter always brings a lot of people, but this year seems worse,” said Kofi Addo, a bus coordinator at the station. “The traffic on the highways has also slowed our turnaround time. We’re trying our best to manage the situation, but the pressure is too much.”
The Kwahu Hills in particular remains a major Easter destination, hosting thousands for its annual paragliding festival, street carnivals, live performances, and church conventions. The anticipation and excitement around these events have only intensified the rush, with many unwilling to miss out on the traditions and spiritual experiences the season brings.
Meanwhile, authorities are being called upon to help streamline travel and support passengers in distress. Some have suggested the need for additional temporary shuttles during peak holiday periods to reduce congestion and improve passenger flow.
For now, stranded travelers at the station remain hopeful. With Easter just around the corner, the desire to reunite with family, attend church services, or simply celebrate the resurrection of Christ keeps spirits high even amidst the inconvenience.
