Motorists have over the years been complaining about the absence of streetlights on the major roads of Accra and other parts of the country, which has led to frequent accidents and putting pedestrians at risk of theft.
Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, the Ghana Highway Authority (GHA) has attributed the malfunctioning and lack of streetlights on the Accra-Tema Motorway to vandalism and thievery by unpatriotic citizens.
Cecil Nii Obodai Wentum, Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Highway Authority stated that some Ghanaians have been stealing streetlights, resulting in total darkness at night on that stretch. He also noted that the unknown individuals have also been removing metal covers and underground cables connecting the streetlights, exacerbating the issue. He advocated for stringent penalties for individuals who steal streetlights and underground cables to serve as a deterrent.
Mr Wentum assured that approval has been granted for the procurement of new streetlights and revealed that the Contractor is working diligently to make the stretch motorable and reduce traffic congestion significantly.
The Chronicle feels sickened by the nonchalant attitude of the authorities who are in charge of the streetlights and allow them to be vandalized or stolen only to go through another ritual of procuring of new streetlights. What we all lose sight of is that it is the tax payer who funds this new procurement to replace them.
Most often, the streetlights that are left non-functional for years become easy target for unscrupulous people to steal. It is about time that we question those who are supposed to ensure regular maintenance and prompt repair of the streetlights, so that when there found culpable we punish and surcharge them.
The absence of streetlights has led to frequent accidents and has made pedestrians vulnerable to theft, particularly during the night. This situation demands immediate attention and action from both the authorities and the public.
The issue of malfunctioning and lack of streetlights raise serious concerns that compromises the safety and security of motorists and pedestrians. While the theft of streetlight components is a significant problem, it is also imperative to address the broader issue of non-functional streetlights, which exacerbates the challenges on these roads.
The stealing of streetlights, metal covers and underground cables lead to total darkness on the roads. Such acts of vandalism not only endanger lives but also undermine public infrastructure meant for the collective good.
It is crucial to recognize that the issue is twofold. Firstly, there is the deliberate destruction and theft of streetlight components by unscrupulous individuals which must be met with stringent penalties.
The enforcement of these penalties is essential to deter such activities and protect public infrastructure. Authorities must work hand in hand to ensure that perpetrators are arrested and punished to serve as a deterrent to others.
There is also the issue of streetlights that are non-functional due to reasons unrelated to theft. This is a critical aspect of public safety and should not be overlooked. The malfunctioning of streetlights, whether due to theft or technical issues, creates a hazardous environment for motorists and pedestrians, increasing the risk of accidents and crime.
The issue of non-functional streetlights is a multifaceted problem that requires a comprehensive approach. While addressing vandalism and theft with stringent penalties and robust enforcement, it is equally important to ensure regular maintenance and prompt repair of streetlights.
