Driving on the Accra-Tema Motorway and most parts of the capital at night can be a frightening experience. The road is shrouded in darkness and this makes it difficult for drivers and commuters to see the highway. The lack of streetlights along the motorway is a safety challenge that puts commuters at risk, leading to accidents and providing cover for crimes such as highway robbery.
The motorway has become a target for criminal gangs that use the dark as cover to rob and attack unsuspecting motorists. The police and the Ghana Highways Authority have made efforts to address the problems, but progress has been slow.
The Ministry of Roads and Highways has identified theft and vandalism by unknown individuals as the cause of the darkness along the Tema Motorway. Nasir Ahmad Yartey, the head of Public Relations at the Roads Ministry told Citi FM that the Ministry had repeatedly repaired the streetlights on six separate occasions, only to find them vandalised each time. Nasir Ahmad Yartey called on citizens to be vigilant to help protect the streetlights from vandalism and theft.
“Authorities have some responsibilities and citizens also bear the biggest part of the responsibility to protect state properties… We procure and install, and within a period of three to six months, they are gone. People have made it their business to always vandalise streetlights and traffic lights and it is a big challenge as to how to stop it.”
The persistent theft and vandalism of streetlights along the Tema Motorway is deeply concerning. It highlights a critical issue that demands immediate attention and concerted efforts from both authorities and citizens.
It is disheartening to learn that despite repeated repairs and replacements by the Ministry, the streetlights on the Tema Motorway continue to be vandalized and stolen. This not only poses a significant financial burden on the government, but also compromises the safety and security of road users.
Streetlights serve a vital purpose in ensuring visibility and safety on our roads, especially during the night. Their absence or malfunction due to theft and vandalism creates hazardous conditions for motorists and pedestrians alike. Moreover, the cost of repairing and replacing these lights divert resources that could be utilised for other crucial infrastructure projects.
The responsibility to protect public infrastructure, such as streetlights, does not rest solely on the shoulders of government. Citizens must also play their part in safeguarding these essential amenities. Vandalism and theft not only harm the community, but also reflect poorly on our collective responsibility towards public property.
The Chronicle holds the view that education and awareness campaigns are essential to sensitise the public about the importance of preserving public infrastructure. Communities must be encouraged to report suspicious activities and collaborate with law enforcement agencies to apprehend those responsible for such acts.
Additionally, technological solutions such as surveillance cameras and improved security measures can be explored to deter vandalism and theft. Strengthening penalties for such offenses can also serve as a deterrent. It is imperative that we protect and preserve the infrastructure that serves us all.
The Accra-Tema Motorway is an important commercial route, connecting businesses and industries in Accra and Tema and, therefore, it is imperative that long-term plans to develop street lighting policy that will help address concerns about standards for lighting the nation’s streets. It is crucial that we protect and preserve the infrastructure that serves us all.
