In the wake of a tragic incident, the residents of Sakam in the Offinso Municipality of the Ashanti Region took to the streets last Friday, blocking sections of the Kumasi-Techiman highway in protest. The demonstration, fueled by the recent death of a 14-year-old girl due to reckless driving, highlighted the community's frustrations over ongoing accidents.
In response to the protest, military and police intervention was deployed to disperse the crowd that had taken over the Offinso-Sakam stretch, underscoring the pressing need for enhanced road safety measures in the area.
Ibrahim Yogo, the Assembly Member, expressed the community's persistent but futile efforts to install speed ramps, stating, "I have written letters to the Assembly, notifying the MCE of the need to mount speed ramps here but that has yet materialized." He further explained that the recent accident had infuriated the youth, leading to the protest.
Yogo emphasized the urgency of the situation, revealing that five people had been apprehended and were in custody at Offinso. He stressed the need for immediate action to prevent further tragedies on the perilous highway.
Following the intervention, the road has since been reopened to traffic. However, the youth are planning to convene a press conference in the coming days to address the issue comprehensively.
The incident in Sakam serves as a poignant reminder of the critical importance of road safety measures and effective community engagement. It is imperative for authorities to address the concerns raised by the residents and take proactive steps to prevent future accidents. The collaboration between the community, local authorities, and law enforcement will be crucial in ensuring the safety of all road users in the Offinso Municipality.
-source Asaaseradio | curated by Aisha Yakubu | Ghana Crimes
