Yakubu Mohammed is MP for Ahafo Ano South East
The Member of Parliament for Ahafo Ano South East, Yakubu Mohammed, has called for increased public education on the use of footbridges and the implementation of speed control measures on highways to prevent road accidents.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Wednesday, March 19, the Ahafo Ano South East lawmaker stressed the need to educate the public, particularly those from rural communities, on the importance and proper use of footbridges.
“Some of us who come from rural areas may not fully understand the importance of footbridges.
“It should not be limited to road signs alone, because people without formal education may not be able to read and understand their purpose. There should be awareness campaigns on radio and TV to inform the public about the location of footbridges and the need to use them for their safety,” he stated.
His call comes at a critical time when Ghana is grappling with rising road fatalities.
In 2024 alone, 2,494 people lost their lives to road crashes, marking a 9.58 percent increase compared to 2023.
Between January and June 2024, 1,237 lives were lost due to road accidents, reflecting a 12.97 percent increase from the same period the previous year.
Additionally, pedestrian-related accidents continue to be a major concern, with 1,219 pedestrians struck by vehicles in the first half of 2024.
Beyond footbridges, the MP also highlighted the urgent need for speed control measures in his constituency, particularly in Edugyama, the capital of Ahafo Ano South East, which is situated along the Kumasi-Sunyani highway.
He lamented the absence of speed bumps on the newly-constructed road, which has led to frequent accidents.
“Every day, we wake up to news of people being knocked down while crossing the road. Just this past weekend, a District Chief Executive (DCE) was involved in an accident due to over speeding. In my hometown, Abesewa, residents keep complaining about the dangers posed by speeding vehicles,” he said.
Research shows that implementing speed control measures such as speed bumps can significantly reduce accidents. Studies indicate that speed bumps can lead to a 40% reduction in vehicle speeds, decreasing speed-related crashes.
Furthermore, the presence of speed humps have been associated with a 53 percent to 60 percent reduction in the odds of injury or death among children.
Yakubu Mohammed also urged Parliament and the Ministry of Roads and Highways to prioritise the installation of speed bumps in accident-prone areas, emphasising that the safety of citizens should take precedence over maintaining high-speed limits on highways.
“The lives of individuals are more important than the speed at which drivers are allowed to move,” he concluded.
His statement has reignited discussions in Parliament about pedestrian safety measures and the role of government agencies in preventing avoidable road accidents.
Meanwhile, catch up on the mysterious and historic details of Fort Amsterdam in this final part of our Ghana Month Series on People and Places on GhanaWeb TV below:
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