By Confidence Tsikudo
Road users in the Koforidua Effiduase Municipality are raising concerns over the persistent malfunctioning of traffic lights at key intersections, which have been out of service for more than a year. The situation has created confusion on the roads, increased the risk of accidents, and disrupted smooth vehicular and pedestrian movement in the area.
Investigations by GBC News reveal that the non-functioning traffic signals have made it increasingly difficult for drivers and pedestrians to obey traffic rules, particularly during rush hours when vehicular activity is at its peak. The absence of functioning lights has turned some intersections into hazardous zones, forcing motorists to rely on guesswork to navigate through the busy roads.
Speaking on The Real Time Show on GBC News, Eastern Regional Correspondent Michael Amartey described the situation as a growing safety threat. He noted that despite several appeals from residents and commercial drivers, authorities have yet to take concrete steps to address the issue.
“The situation has become a serious safety concern. It not only slows down traffic but also endangers the lives of road users, especially at night and during rush hours,” Mr Amartey said.
Some frustrated residents who spoke to GBC News accused the Koforidua Municipal Assembly and the Department of Urban Roads of neglect, urging them to act swiftly to restore the traffic signals. They recounted several near-miss incidents, attributing them to the lack of traffic control at busy intersections.
A commercial driver, Kwame Owusu, said, “The lights have been off for more than a year now. Every day, we risk our lives trying to cross these junctions. We are pleading with the authorities to fix them before something tragic happens.”
Other drivers have appealed to the Eastern Regional Coordinating Council to intervene, stressing that restoring the traffic lights would improve safety and bring order to the roads. They believe that addressing the problem promptly would demonstrate the government’s commitment to ensuring safe and efficient transport systems in regional capitals.
As traffic volumes continue to grow in the municipality, many residents fear that without immediate intervention, the situation could worsen — leading to more frequent accidents and injuries.
