Dark streets: a sad phenomenon making traveling at night a dangerous adventure in Ghana
Waking up in the morning to hear news of night accidents that have claimed the lives of several people has become a regular occurrence. While several factors can be attributed to this, such as fatigued driving, wrongful overtaking, speeding, and many others, it is not a mere coincidence that these usually happen at night. While the other factors are also major causes, many drivers have lamented how the unavailability of streetlights made the situation worse.
In Ghana’s most developed cities, Accra and Kumasi, the absence of streetlights makes commuting at night a huge gamble. “I usually, rely on the road markings to guide me on the road at night since there are no streetlights on my stretch. It is always terrible when there are no streetlights and no road markings on a particular road,” a driver disclosed. Sadly, this is the sentiment of many road users. The situation is similar in other parts of the country.
Traveling in the dark is very common in many parts of the buzzing city centers such as Accra and Kumasi. These are also the major routes that those in authority responsible for addressing the issue use. So, why are authorities not paying attention to this? Isn’t it amusing?
Recently, many social media users used their platforms to shed light on this serious concern but authorities remain adamant.
The Street Lighting in Ghana- Policy Framework (2011) indicates that metropolitan, municipal, and district authorities are responsible for the maintenance and operation of streetlights. Despite this being clearly stated, these authorities watch on unconcerned as Ghanaians take their fate into their own hands at night.
The danger that the absence of streetlights poses is enormous. The lives of occupants in vehicles and pedestrians are usually at risk under such circumstances. This unfortunate phenomenon has given rise to a high rate of attacks on community members as it is mostly unsafe to move around at night. Some unscrupulous persons have taken advantage of the situation and have been robbing people of their belongings at gunpoint.
The laws are clear on this, so, why are the authorities at the assemblies not being held responsible? Why are there no strong mechanisms to ensure these laws are implemented? Is the loss of lives as a result of this preventable issue not pressing enough? What should it take for authorities to do what is expected of them?
“I pay my taxes as expected. People are put into positions to ensure these problems are fixed. Why are these basic things not being done? Why are the authorities endangering our lives and not showing any kind of concern? Is it time to sue these persons who have refused to do their jobs?,” an angry driver in Kumasi lamented.
Perhaps, it is time for the advocacy to be taken to a notch higher. Maybe, the laws should be tested and these persons who have failed to work should be prosecuted.
Ultimately, the central government has a bigger role to play. The president has the power to sack these people. Also, if the challenge has to do with funding, the government should make the necessary resources available to ensure that this is resolved.
By: Edward Oppong Marfo
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