Road Consultant Mr. Abdullah Mahama highlighted the importance of proper road design and government investment in reducing accidents across the country.
Mr. Mahama in an interview with Kwamina Sam Binney on Bryt fm Adekyee Mu Nsem explained that, the use of concrete barriers on highways significantly reduces the risk of head-on collisions.
He noted that on stretches such as Suhum to Nsawam, where there is more land, roads are separated with green belts and gutters, which prevent vehicles from crossing into oncoming traffic.
However, in areas with limited space, such as Ayi Mensah to Peduase Lodge, concrete barriers are used to achieve the same safety effect. According to him, these measures are effective in preventing fatal head-on crashes.
He further stressed the need for continuous expansion and upgrading of roads beyond inner-town roads, pointing out that funding remains the biggest challenge.
Mr. Mahama revealed that government has so far invested over GH₵43 billion into road projects within two years, describing it as a “gigantic amount” that shows commitment to infrastructure development.
Additionally, he noted that government’s plan to ensure that all 160 districts benefit from at least one major road project is commendable. He cited the Koforidua roundabout to Suhum junction stretch as an example of the kind of minimum road standard each district should expect.
Mr. Mahama added that such investments will not only boost tourism but also drastically reduce accidents on major highways, including the Accra–Cape Coast–Takoradi corridor.
He disclosed that over 1,200 road accident victims had already been recorded this year, underscoring the urgent need for action.
He also emphasized that road durability depends on pavement thickness and traffic load, explaining that engineers use “Annual Daily Average Traffic” data to guide road construction.
He assured that engineers and contractors are ready to deliver if government provides the necessary resources, saying the ultimate goal is to minimize accidents and save lives.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Amuzu Priscilla
