AMA to curb indiscipline on N1 Highway

Accra , Feb. 29, GNA - The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) is pursuing a vigorous programme to curb the indiscipline and bloodshed on the N1 Highway which forms part of the Accra Beltline.

This according to city authorities, it has become necessary due to the 12 deaths recorded on the highway which was commissioned about two weeks ago.

The Accra beltway encompasses the Ring Road, Kwame Nkrumah Circle, Obestsebi Lamptey Circle, Kaneshie -Mallam road through Sakaman, the N1 highway, Tetteh Quarshie, inter change, Liberation road and the Independence avenue, Tetteh Quarshie, Abeka Lapaz - Apenkwa Junction and Mallam Junction.

Mayor of Accra, Mr Alfred Oko Vanderpuije who toured the beltline to identify challenges associated with the George Walker Bush Motorway told reporters that the Accra Traffic Management systems would be implemented to check activities on the roads in addition to the erection of more road signs to direct motorists and pedestrians to allow free flow of traffic.

He was accompanied by officials of the National Roads Safety Commission, the Police Motor Traffic and Transport Unit and Ghana National Fire Service.

According to him, the Government would fund the construction of a foot bridge at Abeka Lapaz and Apenkwa Junction on the N1 Highway as well as put in place measures to secure land reserved for future road expansion in addition to other measures to prevent people from crossing the roads and make it user friendly for Persons With Disability (PWD).

He bemoaned the 12 deaths recorded on the highway since it was open to motorists because pedestrians refused to use the footbridge and cautioned pedestrians to ensure their own safety because the stretch was a highway.

He warned hawkers using the sides of the road to ply their trade to vacate or be ready to face the law when apprehended.

Mr Vanderpuije explained that the highway which formed part of the Accra Beltline was to ease traffic and that the AMA would leave no stone unturned to ensure discipline on the roads adding that the AMA would collaborate with the Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU) of the Ghana Police Service to ensure the free flow of traffic.

The Mayor expressed his displeasure at car dealers also operating along the shoulders of the N1 highway although they have been duly compensated.

A couple of them were arrested to serve as a deterrent to others as he gave them a 24-hour quit notice or incur the wrath of the AMA.

He charged the MTTU to keep an eye on drivers and arrest those who sped unnecessary and those who picked and dropped passengers anywhere to prevent further accidents on the road.