East Legon Accident: Dumelo faces backlash over speed ramp proposal

National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate for Ayawaso West Wuogon, John Dumelo, has come under heavy criticism following his suggestion to construct speed ramps along the East Legon road where a fatal accident recently occurred.

Speaking to the media after attending the burial ceremony of the late Justine Agbenu on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, Dumelo proposed the installation of speed ramps as a measure to curb the rising number of accidents in the area.

According to Dumelo, the addition of speed ramps would help reduce motorists' speeds, potentially preventing future accidents.

"I think for someone contesting in Ayawaso West Wuogon and driving through East Legon, most of the roads have speed ramps. That stretch is one of the few that doesn’t. So, as a matter of urgency, speed ramps should be constructed there. Not just because this happened, but because it reduces the excessive speeding. East Legon has many bars, and restaurants, and it's an economic hub. In the evenings, people speed, which is dangerous. Speed limits should be in the range of 30, 40, or 50. I'm sure if there were speed ramps, this accident might not have happened," Dumelo stated.

However, his remarks have sparked backlash from many Ghanaians, who argue that speed ramps are not the solution. Instead, they suggest stricter enforcement of traffic laws would be more effective.

Critics pointed out that while there are already numerous speed ramps across the country, more urgent issues like poorly lit streets and potholes are being neglected, which also contribute to road accidents.

Read some of the reactions below:

Every time I travel a few things hit me again:

- Ghana has lot of speed rumps

- Ghana doesn't have street lights

- GH has a lot of potholes https://t.co/qHyilz9Fon

— We the Unwilling (@Amegaxi) October 23, 2024

I've always said this guy here is as shallow and petty in thought and attitude as any other politician. Apuuu as MP. https://t.co/O57XuNtgFN

— Prime (@PaakwesiPrime) October 24, 2024

Rise above the mediocre simpleminded standard JOHN! FGS! 🤦🏽‍♀️ https://t.co/0PEA0rBDhZ

— Marilyn (@King_Sey_) October 23, 2024

The djanie Ashi road already had speed rumps, let’s be serious here! https://t.co/Im7O81bAmU

— BahdassGee (@theGOKuff) October 23, 2024

Speed ramp is never the solution. https://t.co/qGqyEhHPyQ

— BushMaster 🇬🇭 (@madmax_dlo) October 23, 2024

Speed ramps?

He wore his spess to go and stand in front of camera and mic to suggest SPEED RAMPS?

That's his groundbreaking idea?

L M F A O https://t.co/eK31U0O8LZ

— Ugo C. Shege (@enyonvm) October 23, 2024

Speed ramps, speed signs and constant police presence with radar guns.

In fact, make the number of people arrested with speed infractions a part of patrolling police’s performance indicators. This should be on every major inner city road.

Easy. Practical. Doable. https://t.co/rRyWpq7xGr

— I, Tong Po (@KojoDante) October 23, 2024

Why are speed ramps the go-to solution in Ghana for every inner-city speeding problem?

Can you practically have them on every road? https://t.co/icfaVf9cTU

— Mawunanunyam (@i_am_nunya) October 23, 2024

You can have all the necessary measures in place oo,but none of them trumps common sense. Drive safe, stay alert, and always prioritize caution over convenience!

The boy's foolishness dier ebe matter for another day..Gyimii! https://t.co/mVu4FVnrip

— Corey (@eeiihh_ray) October 23, 2024