There is the tendency to politicise "change" even if it is in the public interest. The proposed relocation of the notorious Nima Bridge, which The Daily Accra Mail reported about recently, has become a political issue.
Whereas concerned residents in the area would rather the structure was removed, the MP for the Ayawaso East constituency, Dr. Mustafa Ahmed is allegedly against the move. When The Accra Daily Mail asked him to comment on the matter he asked for time to meet one of the proponents of the removal.
Subsequent efforts to speak to him failed, as he would not pick his phone.
The Accra Daily Mail has however been reliably informed that the pros and cons of the removal are being studied by experts at the Ghana Highway Authority and Department of Urban Roads before a final decision is taken.
The Deputy Director of Maintenance at the Department of Urban Roads, Mr. I. K. Mensah, who spoke to The Accra Daily Mail on the subject, said there is the need to consider the reasons for the construction of the structure against the background of the purported nuisance it is creating.
He added that it is necessary for the relevant government agencies to ensure the safety of pedestrians through the provision of appropriate facilities. If the decision is taken to remove the bridge, then an alternative like a pelican crossing should be erected. This, he explained, refers to the push button on the side of traffic lights which when activated flash red for oncoming vehicles to stop for pedestrians.
The Accra Daily Mail reported earlier that the Nima Bridge has been turned into a lovemaking nest which concerned citizens are kicking against.
These persons have gone a step further and written to the authorities to relocate the bridge. It was rumoured last week that the bridge would eventually be transferred to the Kanda Highway, where pupils have problems crossing on their way to and from school.
