The Minister for Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza, has directed the Ghana Highway Authority (GHA) to urgently install 10 speed-calming measures along the Bolgatanga–Navrongo–Paga Highway as part of efforts to curb road crashes and enhance safety.
The directive follows concerns raised by the Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Atanga Akamugri, who revealed that the highway had recorded between 10 and 20 road deaths within a relatively short period, highlighting the need for immediate safety interventions.
During a road inspection tour of the Upper East Region on Wednesday, November 11, Mr Agbodza said the interventions would cover an eight-kilometre stretch, with particular attention to areas around schools, health facilities and other public spaces.
“The engineer has already suggested that they have identified or proposed 10 speed-calming features on the road, over about eight kilometres, especially around places of public interest, schools, clinics and other areas,” he said. This is a very busy road. So I direct the Highways Authority to immediately get a competent person or somebody with the capacity to provide this solution, possibly by Monday,” he stated.
Mr Agbodza explained that the speed-calming measures would serve as a temporary safety intervention while the government prepares for a major rehabilitation of the highway.
“We know that the road itself is planned for major rehabilitation later, but that time may be too late for somebody’s life to be saved.
“We will put in temporary measures for now to help calm the traffic while we work towards the bigger solution, which is to take a comprehensive look at the entire road surface,” he added.
The Minister also appealed to motorists to exercise caution, observe road traffic regulations and avoid excessive speeding to protect lives.
