Member of Parliament for Weija-Gbawe, Hon. Jerry Ahmed Shaib, has brought the alarming issue of pedestrian accidents to the forefront of parliamentary discussions, emphasizing the urgent need for improved road safety measures.
He lamented the persistent problem of pedestrians neglecting designated footbridges, contributing significantly to avoidable accidents and fatalities.
Despite substantial investments in pedestrian footbridges, Hon. Shaib pointed out that many citizens continue to ignore these safety structures, opting to cross busy roads at dangerous, unauthorized locations.
In a statement on the floor of Parliament on Tuesday, February 18, the Second Deputy Minority Whip stressed the disproportionate number of pedestrian accidents occurring in major urban centres like Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi due to this disregard for safety.
“These incidents are often preventable if pedestrians simply utilized the provided footbridges,” he stated.
Hon. Shaib presented a comprehensive four-point strategy to Parliament, urging collaborative efforts between various government bodies, including the Ministry of Roads and Highways, the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), and the Motor Traffic and Transport Directorate (MTTD).
His proposed road safety measures include:
- Intensified Public Awareness: A nationwide campaign utilizing mass media, community outreach, and educational programs in schools to educate pedestrians on the risks of jaywalking.
- Strict Enforcement: Implementing fines for both pedestrians who refuse to use footbridges and drivers who endanger pedestrian safety.
- Improved Infrastructure: Ensuring footbridges are accessible to everyone, including the elderly and persons with disabilities, with enhanced lighting and clear signage.
- Traffic Management Support: Deploying traffic wardens and community police, especially during peak hours, to guide pedestrians and enforce compliance in high-risk areas.
The MP also appealed to the Minister of Roads and Highways for the swift completion of the footbridge in Tetegu, within his constituency, underscoring its crucial role in safeguarding local residents.
He said, “The Tetegu footbridge must be completed and commissioned as soon as possible. We cannot delay when lives are at stake.”
Hon. Ahmed Shaib emphasized that road safety is a shared responsibility and while acknowledging the government’s ongoing investments in infrastructure, he stressed the importance of individual accountability.
“We must all take responsibility for our actions. The continued failure to utilize footbridges is a societal problem that demands our collective attention,” he appealed.