Member of Parliament for Weija-Gbawe and Second Deputy Minority Whip, Jerry Ahmed Shaib, has raised concerns over the underutilisation of pedestrian footbridges across Ghana, highlighting the dire consequences of pedestrian negligence in high-traffic areas.

In a statement delivered in Parliament, Ahmed Shaib emphasised the government’s commitment to road safety through significant investments in footbridge construction.

He noted that these bridges are strategically placed to prevent pedestrian accidents, particularly in urban centers such as Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi. However, despite these efforts, many pedestrians continue to ignore the footbridges, opting instead to jaywalk across busy highways.

“The failure to use footbridges not only jeopardises the safety of individuals but also results in the loss of lives and serious injuries,” he stated, pointing to alarming pedestrian accident statistics. He lamented that many of these fatalities could have been avoided if footbridges were used as intended.

Lawyer Jerry Ahmed Shaib proposed a comprehensive approach to address this issue, calling for:

1. Public Awareness Campaigns – He urged stakeholders to intensify education on the importance of using footbridges through mass media, schools, and community engagement programmes.

2. Stronger Enforcement of Road Safety Laws – He advocated for the introduction of fines for pedestrians who refuse to use footbridges and for drivers who fail to prioritise pedestrian safety.

3. 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 proper lighting and signage to enhance visibility at night.

4. CollaboratiCollaboration with Law Enforcement – He recommended that the Ghana PoliceService, the National Road Safety Authority, and traffic wardens intensify monitoring and enforcement in high-risk areas to ensure compliance.

1. Public Awareness Campaigns – He urged stakeholders to intensify education on the importance of using footbridges through mass media, schools, and community engagement programmes.
2. Stronger Enforcement of Road Safety Laws – He advocated for the introduction of fines for pedestrians who refuse to use footbridges and for drivers who fail to prioritise pedestrian safety.
3. 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 proper lighting and signage to enhance visibility at night.

Ahmed Shaib specifically urged the Minister of Roads and Highways to prioritise the completion of the Tetegu footbridge in the Weija-Gbawe constituency, ensuring its swift commissioning for pedestrian use.

“Road safety is a shared responsibility,” he concluded. “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 all.”

His statement reinforces the urgent need for a cultural shift in pedestrian behaviour, ensuring that government investments in road safety infrastructure yield the intended benefits.