Rev. Charles Opoku
Former Head of Monitoring at the Forestry Commission and good governance advocate, Reverend Charles Opoku has issued a strong call for law enforcement agencies to arrest and prosecute pedestrians who continue to ignore footbridges, putting their lives and those of motorists at risk.
Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem morning show on Tuesday, Rev. Opoku expressed deep concern over the persistent disregard for pedestrian footbridges in Accra, despite the government’s heavy investment in their construction.
He cited locations such as Tetegu Junction, Nii Boi Town, Lapaz, and Kaneshie as hotspots.
He said the Kaneshie footbridge in particular is a waiting disaster; heavily burdened by traders who have heaped all manner of goods onto the bridge, yet routinely ignored by city authorities.
What kind of indiscipline is this? People still cross the road directly under the bridges, even when the traffic light is green for vehicles, he said, explaining that in areas with severe traffic congestion, particularly from Kasoa to Kaneshie and Lapaz, pedestrians often cross at inappropriate times, compounding the chaos and risking fatal accidents.
Rev. Opoku acknowledged recent efforts by security forces to curb the problem, including recent efforts by the police and army at Tetegu last week to enforce compliance, which he said is commendable; however, he stressed that more sustained action is needed.
He urged the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to assign dedicated law enforcement teams at major footbridges to arrest offenders for prosecution in order to protect lives and property, and ensure that the laws, rules and regulations work.
Rev. Opoku also cited the example of a former police officer known as Inspector Addai, who was once stationed at the Teshie-Nungua stretch and became well-known for his rigorous enforcement of traffic laws, including the prosecution of errant drivers.
It worked then, and it can work now if we show the same resolve, he said.
He emphasised that sustained enforcement would lead to behavioural change.
Those refusing to use the footbridges should be arrested, prosecuted, and fined. If we do this consistently for a while, people will learn to obey the rules.
Rev. Opoku also highlighted the need for a national mindset shift towards lawfulness, saying if traffic is bumper to bumper, no one dares drive on the shoulders of the road. The same level of discipline must apply to pedestrians if we must be a law-abiding society.
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