The Ghana Highway Authority (GHA) has urgently attributed the widespread malfunction and absence of streetlights along the Accra-Tema Motorway to acts of vandalism and theft by unpatriotic individuals, underscoring the need for immediate action.
Cecil Nii Obodai Wentum, the Ghana Highway Authority’s public relations officer, revealed on the Citi Breakfast Show that streetlights are frequently stolen, plunging motorway sections into night’s darkness. This situation has not only increased the risk of accidents but also put pedestrians in grave danger, a fact that should evoke empathy and concern among the public.
Wentum expressed dismay over the deliberate destruction of infrastructure, citing instances of stolen or dismantled streetlights, metal covers, and underground cables connecting the lights.
He emphasized, “Several people I put in quote unpatriotic are destroying some of our infrastructural facilities. People deliberately go, take out these things, and destroy them; they steal or take parts.”
Highlighting the severity of the issue, Wentum called for stringent penalties against offenders involved in such criminal activities. “Enforcement must work; we must work hand in hand and see how we can get people arrested and punished so that it will serve as a deterrent,” he asserted.
In response to the ongoing challenges, Wentum reassured the public that procurement has been approved for new streetlights. He explained that the process involves identifying reliable suppliers, ensuring the quality and durability of the streetlights, and coordinating with local authorities for their installation. He also mentioned that efforts are underway to address traffic congestion and ensure road safety, including the deployment of temporary lighting solutions in high-risk areas.
He also addressed concerns regarding the impact of the government’s debt exchange program on infrastructure projects, assuring that efforts are being made to mitigate these challenges and restore projects affected by financial constraints.
The Ghana Highway Authority remains resolute in its commitment to enhancing the safety and reliability of road infrastructure across the country despite the setbacks caused by vandalism and financial limitations. This unwavering commitment should reassure the public of the ongoing and dedicated efforts of the Authority to address the issue.
