Honorable Speaker, I rise to address a pressing concern that imperils road safety in Ghana, particularly in urban areas. The issue at hand is the provision of pedestrian footbridges, their impact on road safety, and the alarming failure of some individuals to utilize these critical infrastructure elements.
Pedestrian footbridges were introduced in Ghana as a vital component of the government’s efforts to safeguard pedestrians, especially in high-traffic areas. These footbridges serve as secure passageways over busy roads, shielding pedestrians from the perils of crossing highways where vehicles travel at high velocities ¹.
Despite substantial investments in footbridge construction, a disturbing trend persists, where pedestrians, often due to convenience or impatience, neglect to use these bridges. This negligence not only jeopardizes individual safety but also results in loss of lives and severe injuries. Ghana, like many nations, grapples with alarming pedestrian accident statistics, which are directly linked to the failure of some citizens to utilize footbridges.
The implications for road safety are dire, with accidents involving pedestrians who attempt to cross roads at non-designated points often resulting in fatalities. It is crucial that we address this issue through a multi-faceted approach, encompassing:
– Public Awareness Campaigns: Intensifying public education efforts through mass media, community outreach, and educational programs in schools to emphasize the dangers of jaywalking and the importance of using footbridges.
– Enforcement of Road Safety Regulations: Implementing stronger enforcement of traffic laws, particularly those related to pedestrian safety, including fines for pedestrians who fail to use footbridges and drivers who disregard pedestrian safety.
– Design and Accessibility Improvements: Ensuring footbridges are designed and constructed to be accessible to all, including the elderly, persons with disabilities, and children, with adequate lighting and signage to encourage their use.
– Collaboration with Traffic Authorities: Working closely with the Ghana Police Service and the National Road Safety Authority to monitor pedestrian behavior and ensure compliance.
We must recognize that road safety is a shared responsibility, requiring collective effort from the government, road safety authorities, and citizens. I urge the Minister of Roads and Highways to prioritize the completion of the ongoing footbridge construction at Tetegu, in the Weija-Gbawe constituency, to ensure its prompt utilization by pedestrians.
I thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Source: Collins Owusu Debrah (Parliamentary Correspondent)
