Member of Parliament for Weija-Gbawe, Jerry Ahmed Shaib
Jerry Ahmed Shaib, the Member of Parliament for Weija-Gbawe and Second Deputy Minority Whip, has expressed concern over the underutilization of pedestrian footbridges in Ghana, urging for increased usage to enhance road safety.
He highlighted the severe consequences of pedestrian negligence, especially in high-traffic areas, which continue to be a major cause of road accidents.
In a statement delivered in Parliament, Jerry Ahmed Shaib emphasized the government’s significant investments in footbridge construction, which are designed to improve safety, particularly in urban centers such as Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi.
Despite these efforts, he noted that many pedestrians continue to ignore the footbridges, choosing instead to jaywalk across busy roads.
“The failure to use footbridges not only endangers lives but also results in fatalities and serious injuries,” Jerry Ahmed Shaib stated, citing alarming statistics on pedestrian accidents.
He pointed out that many of these deaths could have been avoided if footbridges were used as intended.
To address the issue, Jerry Ahmed Shaib proposed a comprehensive approach, which includes:
• Public Awareness Campaigns – He called for intensified education on the importance of using footbridges through mass media, schools, and community engagement initiatives.
• Stronger Enforcement of Road Safety Laws – He suggested imposing fines on pedestrians who refuse to use footbridges and on drivers who fail to prioritize pedestrian safety.
• Improved Footbridge Design and Accessibility – He stressed the need for footbridges to be more user-friendly, particularly for the elderly, children, and persons with disabilities. He also called for better lighting and clearer signage to enhance visibility at night.
• Collaboration with Law Enforcement – He recommended that the Ghana Police Service, the National Road Safety Authority, and traffic wardens increase monitoring and enforcement in high-risk areas to ensure compliance.
Jerry Ahmed Shaib also urged the Minister of Roads and Highways to prioritize the completion of the Tetegu footbridge in the Weija-Gbawe constituency, ensuring its swift commissioning for pedestrian use.
“Road safety is a shared responsibility. While the government provides the necessary infrastructure, it is up to us as citizens to use them responsibly. Let us work together to reduce pedestrian accidents and make our roads safer for everyone,” he concluded.
His statement highlights the urgent need for a cultural shift in pedestrian behavior to ensure that government investments in road safety infrastructure deliver the intended benefits.