The Minority Caucus in Parliament has called on the government to fast-track the completion of ongoing construction works on the Accra-Kumasi Highway, saying the project is critical to improving road safety in Ghana and reducing the increasing number of fatal road accidents along the country’s busiest highway.
The appeal comes after Tuesday’s tragic multi-vehicle accident at Birimso Bridge on the Accra-Kumasi Highway, which reportedly claimed the lives of at least 15 people and left several others seriously injured.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Ranking Member of Parliament’s Roads and Transport Committee, Kennedy Nyarko Osei, described the accident as a national tragedy and expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims.
According to the statement, the Minority Caucus sympathised with those who lost loved ones and wished the injured a speedy recovery, while reaffirming its support for everyone affected by the devastating crash.
Minority Demands Urgent Action on Accra-Kumasi Highway
The Minority stressed that the latest accident highlights the urgent need for government to address the longstanding safety challenges on the Accra-Kumasi Highway, which has recorded numerous fatal crashes over the years.
The Caucus noted that repeated road accidents on the major transport corridor should no longer be accepted as unavoidable, urging authorities to take immediate action to improve the condition of the highway.
According to the statement, completing all ongoing sections of the existing highway, including bypasses and unfinished road projects, should be treated as a national priority while work continues on the proposed Accra-Kumasi Expressway Project.
Existing Highway Can Be Completed Faster
The Minority acknowledged government’s plans to develop the proposed US$1.7 billion Accra-Kumasi Expressway, with reports indicating that the project funds have been secured in an escrow account at the Bank of Ghana.
However, the Caucus argued that approximately US$300 million would be enough to complete the current highway expansion works and bypasses, providing immediate relief for motorists and significantly improving road safety.
While describing the expressway as an important long-term infrastructure investment, the Minority insisted that completing the existing Accra-Kumasi Highway would have a more immediate impact by preventing avoidable road crashes and saving lives.
Road Safety Must Be National Priority
The Minority further called on the government to accelerate all outstanding highway construction works without delay, stating that completing the existing road network would help reduce fatal accidents while preparations for the larger expressway project continue.
The Accra-Kumasi Highway remains one of Ghana’s busiest transport routes, carrying thousands of commuters and commercial vehicles daily. Due to its history of deadly road accidents, road safety experts, transport stakeholders, and policymakers have consistently urged the government to speed up rehabilitation and expansion works to enhance safety for all road users.
Source: newsthemegh.com