Calls grow for safety barriers on N1 Highway after pedestrian death

Commuters at Lapaz and Nii Boi Town have renewed calls for the government to urgently complete the installation of safety barriers along the George Walker Bush Highway, following the death of a woman who was fatally struck by a vehicle while attempting to cross the busy road.

Residents and commuters believe the completion of the metal barriers will help prevent pedestrians from crossing the highway illegally and encourage greater use of the footbridge provided for safe passage.

Despite the footbridge, many pedestrians still dash across the highway, exposing themselves to danger and increasing the risk of accidents.

One such commuter, Louis, admitted that he occasionally crosses the road without using the footbridge because it is more convenient. However, he acknowledged that the practice is risky and called for intensified public education by the National Road Safety Authority.

“I have to apologise. It depends on where you are coming from. I am going to Nima, so I am going to that side and walking all the way to come and stand here and pick up a Nima car. Conveniently, I rushed here. I think it’s not a good thing, though,” he said.

He urged road safety authorities to prioritise public sensitisation campaigns to help people appreciate the importance of using the footbridge.

“We should educate people that their lives matter more than convenience. I would suggest to the road safety authorities that education should be key in this exercise,” he added.

Other pedestrians who consistently use the footbridge say they have witnessed several accidents and near-fatal incidents involving people attempting to cross the highway directly.

Nana Adwoa, a regular user of the footbridge, said authorities must strictly enforce compliance to deter dangerous behaviour.

“My life is important to me, so I always use the footbridge. I believe anyone who chooses to cross the highway directly is putting their life at serious risk,” she said.

According to her, she has personally witnessed a motorbike knock down a pedestrian and believes stricter enforcement is necessary to save lives.

However, not all commuters share the same concerns. Some pedestrians continue to ignore the footbridge, insisting that crossing the highway directly is quicker and more convenient.

One commuter, identified as Dende, dismissed the risks involved.

“There’s no issue for me not using the footbridge. It’s faster, and nothing will happen. I’ll be fine,” he said.

Concerned by the growing disregard for road safety regulations, Ernest Apenteng, a station master at the Lapaz-Adenta station, said he has taken it upon himself to discourage pedestrians from crossing the highway unlawfully.

According to him, the increasing number of knockdowns along the stretch compelled him to intervene.

“I became concerned about the increasing number of people being knocked down by vehicles along this stretch, so I took it upon myself to stop pedestrians from crossing the highway directly and encourage them to use the footbridge instead,” he said.

Mr. Apenteng revealed that his efforts have not been well-received by everyone, adding that he has been assaulted and threatened by some individuals for attempting to enforce safety measures.

He argued that the problem will persist unless the government completes the installation of the metal barriers along the entire stretch of the highway.

“Because the installation of the metal safety barriers has not been completed, people continue to cross the road unlawfully. I cannot do this work alone, and I believe the government must complete the erection of the barriers along the entire stretch,” he said.

He further disclosed that his safety has been compromised due to his voluntary efforts to protect lives.

“Even now, my life is under threat because of what I do, yet I receive no payment for it,” he added.

Commuters said that the recent fatality serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by indiscipline on the highway.

They are calling for a combination of stricter enforcement, public education and the completion of safety infrastructure to prevent further loss of life along the busy corridor.