Ashiaman accident: Let's clear every trader on the shoulder of our roads - Ashiaman MP

"This incident for me brings to fore the need for an urgent impartial decongestion exercise along the shoulders of the main market area towards the Ashaiman Valco flat area to safeguard lives and property. Every single life is important and we can't afford to have this incident repeat itself" are the very words of the Member of Parliament, Ernest Norgbey.

A Kia truck carrying blocks on Thursday afternoon run into traders at the main traffic light in Ashiamah where one life was lost instantly and other six severely injured and are currently at the Tema General Hospital.

Ernest Norgbey who has expressed shock at the gory incident said successive governments have failed to tackle the menace of traders choosing to sell on the shoulders on the major roads rather than the available markets.

He has since charged no one will be allowed to ever sell by the roadside in order to avoid death.

Below is the full statement:

Ernest Henry Norgbey writes on the gory Ashaiman accident

It is unfortunate that the lack of political will on the part of successive governments and the general indiscipline on the part of some traders in my constituency have brought us into this mess.

Indeed the Thursday morning accident shouldn't have occurred in the first place but for the lack of adherence to simple rules and regulations.

This is indeed a very sad day for the people of Ashaiman after losing a 21-year-old SHS graduate with six others in critical condition at the Tema General Hospital.

This incident for me brings to fore the need for an urgent impartial decongestion exercise along the shoulders of the main market area towards the Ashaiman Valco flat area to safeguard lives and property. Every single life is important and we can't afford to have this incident repeat itself.

The repeated clamouring for space on the shoulders of the roads, though can be attributed to the inadequate space within the Ashaiman main market, the Assembly has constructed about five hundred sheds near the Adjei kojo underpass and I'll urge traders to contact the municipal assembly for allocations.

It is about time we crack the whip to bring sanity into the system.

Huge investments have been made in the provision of these markets and we cannot afford to look on while it is being underutilized.

I have personally campaigned for a massive decongestion in Ashiaman especially on the shoulders of its roads to allow for smooth flow of traffic.

This is the moment for reform and it is our duty to ensure that this unfortunate event never repeats itself.

The situation will only get worse with the increasing level of migration into the community if drastic and prompt action is not taken.

The MCE, as well as other officials in the constituency and my office as the MP, shall embark on a full decongestion mission to make the municipality one of the best.

I pray we can count on the support of all my constituents.

My heart aches terribly in this unfortunate accident and I send my deepest condolences to the bereaved family and wish the injured a speedy recovery.

SIGN HON ERNEST HENRY NORGBEY