New data shows certain areas in Accra are more prone to accidents as they have recorded 18 deaths over the last 24 months.
According to the Accra Road Safety Report 2022, launched on November 7, 2023, the Avenor Junction and Opeibea intersections along the Liberation Road are the two high-risk fatal crash locations.
The Report focused on road usage in the Accra metropolis, with an emphasis on safety and fatalities.
The report gives a list of the top 10 intersections in Accra that are prone to recording fatal accidents.
The Opeibea intersection ranked first, the Avenor -circle intersection was second and the Lapaz- akweteyman intersection came in third place, as the deadliest intersection.
Road users at the Opeibea intersection say it takes extra caution to be on the road because of the behavior of some drivers.
“When the traffic light turns red, it stays for one minute, so you have to calculate in your head, and move as fast as possible, if not, you might be hit easily,” said Winston, a pedestrian.
Traders and hawkers who ply their businesses there indicate; they live in constant fear due to the frequency of accidents on the stretch.
Ataa, who has been selling on the stretch for 4 years, said “our challenge is usually with the motor riders. They easily hit people, and they don’t even wait to attend to the victim”.
The presence of the physically challenged and the risk involved cannot be overlooked.
Farouk, is a Nigerien without both legs. He begs for alms from passengers to survive.
According to him, he is frightened that a truck can easily run over him, any day.
“Because I am crawling on these tires, most of the drivers who speed on the road do not see that I am there. I am always afraid that one day, someone might just run over me”, he cried.
Akusika, on the other hand is in a wheel chair, also begging benevolent pedestrians and passengers, she says “when we come here, we pray to God to protect us, and we have confidence that, God will see us through the day”.
A road injury surveillance coordinator for the Bloomberg road safety initiative, Ebenezer Manu blames the increasing fatalities on driver and passenger indiscipline.
He has called for increased education and sensitization on proper road use, to ensure safety.